Government of Canada

The Government of Canada’s priorities and commitments constitute the federal agenda for improving the quality of life for all Canadians, and continue to guide planning at all levels in government departments and agencies. The Government of Canada also recognizes the need to continuously amend regulatory policies and practices to serve the public good and to promote innovation. With respect to transportation, as a result of deregulation, commercialization and privatization, the role of the Government of Canada is now focused on policies that contribute to a healthy, competitive business environment, and a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally-responsible transportation system.

Regulating smarter is one of the commitments made by the government. In practical terms, this means regulations that impose rules that are more focused on results with fewer interventions, and are designed, where appropriate, to give industry the flexibility to be innovative in meeting those outcomes.

Transport Canada

Transport Canada is focused on developing a modern and relevant policy and legislative framework that will enhance the safety, security, competitiveness and sustainability of Canada’s transportation system. As a regulatory department, Transport Canada plays a key role in the government’s commitment to developing smarter regulations to provide a high level of protection to the traveling public more effectively.

Civil Aviation’s mandate encompasses all the Department’s regulatory responsibilities necessary to provide effective safety oversight in all aspects of civil aviation. Authorities are primarily derived from the Aeronautics Act, Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and Standards, the Canada Labour Code Part II, the Transport of Dangerous Goods Act,  the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act and  International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, amongst others. 

Civil Aviation’s role is to ensure that the CARs and standards are set and achieved in a cooperative and cost-effective manner. This work is not done in isolation—much of it is done through the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC), which was established to improve consultation and our regulatory system. The Council includes operators, manufacturers, professional associations, as well as smaller groups and individuals. Its objective is to assess and recommend potential regulatory changes.

Civil Aviation must also satisfy itself that aeronautical products are designed, manufactured, operated and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations; air operators are equipped and able to provide the service; flight crews and air traffic controllers are fit and competent; certified aerodromes are safe to use; and that air navigation service providers and general aviation activities meet required safety standards. A comprehensive program, made up of several complementary layers, provides an additional level of protection to the Canadian public so that the managed whole is as safe as the parts.

Civil Aviation designs and operates a comprehensive national program to serve Canadians. The program is supported by 1 500 employees and consists of five basic activities:

1. Qualification of aeronautical products, individuals, and organizations;
2. Oversight of the aviation system;
3. Education, promotion, and evaluation;
4. Leadership and management;
5. Safety policy, rulemaking, and agreements.

Transport Canada also operates a program for providing authority to aviation industry personnel charged with specific roles, and continues to delegate authority to responsible persons and organizations, where appropriate. This program has everything to do with finding the most cost-effective way to achieve the required safety performance. While the department retains the ultimate responsibility for overseeing compliance with safety requirements, effective use of assigned authority promotes a shared commitment for safety with the aviation industry. 

Aviation Industry

The Canadian civil aviation industry is comprised of five major sectors. The following is a snapshot of the industry from a current perspective. All indicators show that the industry will continue to grow. 

1. Aeronautical Product Design and Manufacturing Sector:
   
   The aerospace industry in Canada is experiencing unprecedented growth. Each year, more than 1 200 new and modified aeronautical products built or operated in Canada require approval. Products range from advanced aircraft, avionics, and electronics, to space products and services. Annual sales of Canadian aerospace products and services are over $20 billion, with exports of aerospace goods and services approaching $17 billion.

2. Air Operations Sector:
   
   Canada has the second largest civil aviation aircraft fleet in the world. Our commercial sector ranges from international scheduled services to small, one-aircraft charter companies and business aircraft operators. The number of light recreational aircraft increases every year. Canada also has the second largest population of licensed pilots, including aeroplane, helicopter, glider, gyroplane, balloon, and ultra-light pilots. The Civil Aviation Medicine sector conducts approximately 55 000 medical examinations annually using designated Civil Aviation Medical Examiners (CAME) across Canada and overseas.

3. Aircraft Maintenance Sector:
   
   With the second largest fleet of civil aircraft in the Western world, Canada’s aircraft maintenance organizations assist in ensuring that all aeronautical products in Canada are maintained to national and international airworthiness standards. Products range from aeronautical product overhaul and maintenance, to training programs with more than 14 000 aircraft maintenance engineers (AME).

4. Aerodrome Operations Sector:
   
   Of the thousands of aerodromes and airports in Canada, there are over 600 certified airports and 1 000 registered aerodromes, as published in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS). Included in this number are a diverse range of operations: certified airports and heliports; registered aerodromes; water aerodromes; and snow and ice aerodromes and heliports. Of the certified airports formerly owned or operated by Transport Canada, most have been transferred to local authorities under the National Airports Policy.

5. Air Navigation System Sector:
   
   NAV CANADA is a not-for-profit private company that assumed responsibility for virtually all of Canada’s civil air navigation system in November 1996. Other civil air navigation service providers are Serco, and approximately 200 private companies and individuals.