For release
March 2, 2006

Consultation Guidance Document Released in Support of CATSA Act Review
 

OTTAWA — The CATSA Act Review Panel today released a Consultation Guidance Document designed to assist in consultations between the advisory panel and stakeholders.

The document contains information regarding aviation security and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) as well as questions designed to focus stakeholder input. The document will help ensure the consultations are focused on key issues while providing stakeholders with an opportunity to forward their views on additional issues that may need to be considered.

Beginning in March 2006, the panel will travel to selected cities across the country to consult with stakeholders including air carriers, airport operators, air travellers and provincial and territorial governments. Consultations will conclude in June 2006.

On November 23, 2005, the previous Minister of Transport announced the creation of an advisory panel to conduct a review of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) Act. The panel’s work is expected to be completed by the summer of 2006. The panel is composed of Mr. Reg Whitaker (Chair), Mr. Jacques Bourgault and Mr. Chern Heed.

The review will examine the provisions and operation of the Act to ensure that the legislation provides a sound and adequate statutory basis for CATSA’s air transport security mandate. In addition, the panel will provide advice on future aviation security requirements that may have an impact on CATSA’s future operations.

The CATSA Act, which came into force on April 1, 2002, contains a provision that requires the Minister of Transport to complete a review of the provisions and operation of the legislation during its fifth year and report to Parliament on the results.

The Act created CATSA on April 1, 2002 and assigned responsibility to the Authority for screening air passengers and their carry-on baggage, screening checked baggage and screening non-passengers accessing restricted areas at airports.

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