"Canada in Motion"

To carve a niche, a toehold in this country...to tame the land, the sea, the air...to take people and goods where they needed to go — safely, swiftly, efficiently, despite the enormous challenges presented by this land: that's been the challenge of transportation in Canada.

Canada built an iron road, connecting Atlantic to Pacific on wheels of steel, allowing this new nation to grow and thrive.

And as the twentieth century dawned, the speed of technology moved into high gear, and we took to the air...and to the open road.

In 1936, the Department of Transport was born, and Canada's transportation system moved into high gear: unifying, building, refining, regulating, operating, analysing.

Moving the mail through the air by creating a new national air service, Trans Canada Airlines...building airports to support the war effort, harbours for the naval fleet, a seaway to strengthen our economy, and a system of highways that would connect the country in new ways.

Creating and monitoring the kind of regulatory and operating systems that put efficiency and safety right up front, adapting and anticipating as this nation grew. Striking alliances with the provinces and with industry — and challenging industry daily to do its best.

Meeting the needs of an emerging nation as it has grown; connecting Canada to the world. Responding to the evolution of technology — and staying a step ahead as its acceleration has moved to the speed of light; and always with heart, passion and pride — driven by our own combination of science and imagination.

As we head toward the future, we're part of a new reality, where the world has become one big destination, one giant marketplace.

We are, today, driven by this new way... but also by the simple fact that what we have shaped and built together can now operate independently... and the fact that Transport Canada's historical role as the day-to-day foundation of Canada's transportation system is now a partnering role, working with independent facilities and newly constituted organizations...with policies and programs that facilitate trade and tourism, and position Canada as a world leader in the technology and the expertise of transportation.

And as we face our future, armed with our knowledge of the past and a grasp of transportation technology and standards that is the envy of the world, we take with us a legacy of pride and professionalism, safety and security, built upon over sixty years of history...with a new regional structure that serves Canadians quickly, efficiently, and with increased autonomy through innovative Transport Canada centres.

Based on a clear vision: the best possible transportation for Canada and Canadians, we will work together — clients, partners, and colleagues working in new ways, toward new goals, researching and developing new solutions...always in tune with the challenge of change....

...developing and enforcing the highest standards for safe, secure transportation — and helping industry ensure compliance...working with communities to upgrade safety at railway crossings; inspecting air, marine and rail carriers to ensure safe equipment and operating procedures; testing seat belts and air bag systems...

... setting policies that help Canada's transportation system remain competitive, enabling it to support trade, tourism and job creation... negotiating agreements with our partners around the world to create opportunities for Canadian transportation companies...opening the skies to air travel and breaking down barriers to trade...

...gathering and analysing the information needed to make strategic decisions about the future of Canadian transportation — helping to identify the challenges that face Canadian air, marine and rail carriers, assessing the impact of market trends, new technologies, or the shifting patterns of global trade...

...working towards sustainable development in the transport sector, ensuring a cleaner environment for all Canadians...setting targets for reduced motor vehicle emissions, mandating environmentally friendly practices at airports, ports and other transportation facilities...

Transport Canada will forge the tools and the policies, the technology and the services that will allow our partners to respond, thrive, and grow, creating a strong future for transportation — knowing, when all is said and done, that we have helped to ensure safe passage.