CATSA News Release

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Announces Its First President and CEO

OTTAWA - On behalf of the Board of Directors, Brian Flemming-Chairman of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)-today announced that Jacques Duchesneau has been selected as the first CATSA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will assume his duties on Monday, October 21, 2002.

"We are pleased that Mr. Duchesneau has agreed to become CATSA's inaugural President and CEO," said Mr. Flemming. "He is the final addition to the CATSA executive team, which has been working diligently, purchasing and installing new screening equipment across the country, in addition to preparing new training programs for screeners. Mr. Duchesneau has excellent knowledge of security and Mr. Duchesneau's wealth of experience will serve us very well."

Originally from Montreal, Mr. Duchesneau was most recently the Vice-President of Datacom Wireless Corporation. Previously, he was the Director and Chief of Police for the Montreal Urban Community Police Department from 1994 to 1998, and had worked for the department since 1968. Mr. Duchesneau was honoured with the Order of Canada in 1996, recognizing his police work as well as his volunteering efforts in the Montreal area. In addition, in 2002, he received Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Medal for his significant contribution to his fellow citizens, his community and to Canada. He is the Colonel-Commandant of the Canadian Force's Military Police. Mr. Duchesneau has a Master's of Public Administration from the École nationale d'administration publique (ÉNAP).

"My experience in law enforcement complements the challenges I will be assuming with CATSA," noted Mr. Duchesneau. "I look forward to working with our aviation industry partners in helping to maintain Canada's world-class air transport security system."

The creation of CATSA was the centrepiece of the Government of Canada's response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It is a Crown Corporation which operates on a not-for-profit basis. The Authority is accountable to the Minister of Transport for the delivery of consistent, effective, and highly professional service at or above the standards set by federal regulations.

CATSA is responsible for several key security initiatives, including:

• pre-board screening of passengers and their belongings;
• training and certification of screening officers;
• all security equipment at airports; including the purchase, deployment, maintenance and operation of explosives detection systems (EDS);
• federal contributions toward airport policing related to civil aviation security; and
• working with the RCMP on the Air Carrier Protection Program which assigns officers on board selected domestic and international flights.

CATSA was established on April 1, 2002. CATSA has deployed, and is in the process of installing of state-of-the-art EDS at airports across the country. In June, CATSA announced the purchase of $50 million in EDS, which followed the Fall 2001 Transport Canada purchase of $55.7 million in EDS. In addition, the Authority announced two separate transition payment plans for existing pre-board screeners in recognition of the additional training requirements and increased responsibilities of screening officers.

"CATSA has made significant progress since its creation," added Mr. Flemming. "Mr. Duchesneau's leadership skills will contribute greatly to the long-term development of the Authority, and in the execution of our mandate."

Contact: Jacqueline Roy
Manager of Communications
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
(613) 563-8155