Chair's Message
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) enjoys a solid reputation, nationally and internationally, as a
technically skilled and professional investigative organization. As one of only a few multi-modal safety investigation
agencies in the world, the TSB pursues its mandate within a framework of independence that makes it a global leader in that
regard.
The TSB is a knowledge-based organization. We collect and analyze information, transform it into knowledge and
communicate what we know in order to influence positive changes to transportation safety. The TSB must therefore have
efficient and effective information management practices. In April 2003, we initiated a major project to modernize our
information management practices and the enabling technology used by investigators. Significant progress was made over the
past three years, and we are about to implement our new integrated tool set for investigators. However, work remains to be
done in order to fully implement the new tools and to complete the development of the remaining modules. This project will
therefore continue to be a major area of focus for the coming year.
The public expects safety deficiencies in the transportation system to be identified and corrected. The TSB has done an
excellent job of identifying safety deficiencies and has issued numerous safety recommendations over the years. However, not
all recommendations are acted upon satisfactorily. Recently, we have reinstituted the practice of annually re-evaluating
actions taken to address our recommendations and have begun to publish the Board's assessment of those actions on our
website. We hope that this public disclosure will act as an incentive to influence greater change and lead to improved
safety actions. This year, the TSB will continue its efforts to follow up on its safety recommendations and to communicate
key safety messages to stakeholders and industry.
Over the coming year, the TSB will also maintain its efforts toward the continuous improvement of its internal processes,
the management of its human resources and the development of partnerships. Finally, work will also be undertaken on the
development of business continuity plans.
The TSB is strongly committed to making a significant contribution to transportation safety in Canada and abroad. Our
sustained efforts will ensure that our products and services, as well as our business activities, remain effective and
efficient for the delivery of our mandate.
Section 1 - Overview
1.1 Management Representation Statement
I submit for tabling in Parliament, the 2006-2007 Report on Plans and
Priorities (RPP) for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
This document has been prepared based on the reporting principles contained in the Guide for the Preparation of
Part III of the 2006-2007 Estimates: Reports on Plans and Priorities and
Departmental Performance Reports:
- It adheres to the specific reporting requirements outlined in the Treasury Board Secretariat guidance;
- It is based on the department's approved Program Activity Architecture as reflected in its Management, Resources and
Results Structure;
- It presents consistent, comprehensive, balanced and reliable information;
- It provides a basis of accountability for the results achieved with the resources and authorities entrusted to the
department; and
- It reports finances based on approved planned spending numbers from the Treasury Board Secretariat.
___________________________
Wendy A. Tadros
Acting Chair
1.2 Raison d'être
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is an independent agency created in 1990 by an Act of Parliament (Canadian
Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act). It operates at arm's length from other government
departments and agencies such as Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the National Energy Board to ensure that
there are no real or perceived conflicts of interest. Under the legislation, the TSB's only objective is the advancement of
transportation safety in the federally regulated elements of the marine, pipeline, rail and air transportation systems. This
mandate is fulfilled by conducting independent investigations including, if necessary, public inquiries into transportation
occurrences. The purpose of these investigations and inquiries is to make findings as to the causes and contributing factors
of the occurrences and to identify safety deficiencies. As a result, recommendations may be made to improve safety and
reduce or eliminate risks to people, to property and to the environment. The TSB has the exclusive authority to make
findings as to causes and contributing factors when it investigates a transportation occurrence.
The jurisdiction of the TSB includes all transportation occurrences in or over Canada. The
TSB may also represent Canadian interests in foreign investigations of transportation accidents involving Canadian
registered, licensed or manufactured ships, railway rolling stock or aircraft. In addition, the TSB carries out some
of Canada's obligations related to transportation safety at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and
the International Maritime Organization (IMO). |
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A transportation occurrence is any accident or incident associated with the operation of an aircraft, ship,
railway rolling stock or pipeline. It also includes any hazard that could, in the Board's judgement, induce an
accident or incident if left unattended.
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1.3 Resources
The two tables below show information on planned utilization of financial and human resources over the coming three-year
period.
Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2006-2007 |
2007-2008 |
2008-2009 |
32,314 |
31,711 |
31,539 |
Human Resources
2006-2007 |
2007-2008 |
2008-2009 |
240 FTE |
240 FTE |
240 FTE |
FTE = full-time equivalent
1.4 Priorities for 2006-2007
The following table summarizes the five departmental priorities for 2006-2007
and the planned direct spending for each one.
Departmental Priorities |
Type |
Planned Spending
2006-2007*
($ thousands) |
Priority 1: Continuous Improvement of Internal Processes and Practices |
Ongoing |
550 |
Priority 2: Continuous Improvement of Human Resources Management |
Ongoing |
0 |
Priority 3: Sustainable Communication Services and Products |
Ongoing |
30 |
Priority 4: Business Continuity Planning |
New |
145 |
Priority 5: Ongoing Development of Partnerships |
Ongoing |
0 |
*
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Figures shown do not include the salaries for regular staff time dedicated to these priorities and related overhead
costs.
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