4 TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SECURITY

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

In 2005, Transport Canada continued to strengthen Canada's transportation security regime, in collaboration with other federal government departments, other countries and international organizations, labour organizations, industry and other stakeholders.

Transport Canada continued to work toward the objectives set out in the federal government's National Security Policy, of which transportation security is a key component. In 2005, Transport Canada launched the development of a transportation security strategy. This strategy will take stock of recent developments and accomplishments in transportation security and identify future priorities across all modes of transportation by assessing the current and future threat and risk environment. Over the past year, Transport Canada has worked closely with a wide number of partners on this initiative, including other federal departments and agencies, provinces and territories, the transportation industry, labour groups, international partners and academia.

In 2005, the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) was signed by the leaders of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. This trilateral agreement establishes a common approach to protect North America from external threats, prevent and respond to threats within North America, and further streamline the secure and efficient movement of legitimate, low-risk traffic across shared borders. Transportation security is a key part of the Security and Prosperity Partnership, and the department is leading and participating in a number of initiatives to meet the objectives of the SPP.

AVIATION SECURITY

PERCEPTIONS OF AIR TRAVEL SECURITY

The public's confidence in aviation security continued to rise in 2005 (see Table 4-2). Canadians are confident in the security of air travel, and since 2002, this confidence has grown. Canadians believe that there are sufficient security procedures in place to protect them. Even if they do not feel immune to the activities of terrorists, they do, nevertheless, feel confident in the effectiveness of those security measures that have been implemented.

TABLE 4-2: PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF AVIATION SECURITY
In 2005, one half (49 per cent) of respondents reported having high confidence in the security of air travel, compared with only slightly more than one third (36 per cent) in 2002. This represents an increase in confidence of 13 percentage points over the last three years. Three quarters (76 per cent) of Canadians agreed with the statement "Even if I can't see them, I am confident there are sufficient security procedures in place to protect air travellers." This represents a 10-point gain since March 2004. A clear majority of Canadians (62 per cent) believe that the Canadian authorities are well informed about potential threats to air security. More than 90 per cent of Canadians rate both passenger and luggage screening as either effective or moderately effective. The proportion of respondents finding the screening procedures at airports very thorough continued to rise from 34 per cent in 2002 to 51 per cent in 2005. Two thirds of respondents (66 per cent) expressed high satisfaction in terms of their overall sense of security at the airport. Generally speaking, half of Canadians (51 per cent) are willing to endure a lengthy wait (15 minutes or more) and a plurality is still willing to wait "as long as it takes."

Source: Perceptions of Air Travel Safety and Security in Canada: Wave IV, EKOS Research Associates (April 29, 2005)

AVIATION SECURITY INITIATIVES

In 2005, Transport Canada continued to implement a number of aviation security initiatives, in collaboration with other federal government departments, other countries and international organizations, industry stakeholders and labour organizations.

Key aviation security initiatives in 2005 include:

legislative and regulatory and enhancements;
programs such the Aviation Transportation Security Clearance Program; and
international initiatives.

In addition to these activities, the Minister of Transport announced the appointment of an advisory panel review of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) Act. The Act came into force on April 1, 2002. It requires that the Minister of Transport complete a review of the provisions and operation of the legislation during its fifth year and report to Parliament on the results. This expert panel will consult with stakeholders across the country in order to identify possible changes and enhancements to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ENHANCEMENTS

To augment the rigorous security standards already in place, Transport Canada amended and introduced security regulations in 2005.

AVIATION TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CLEARANCE PROGRAM

To reduce the risk of unauthorized persons entering restricted areas of an airport, in 2005, Transport Canada continued to implement the Aviation Transportation Security Clearance Program. Using the Transport Canada Automated Fingerprint Identification System (TCAFIS), the program modernizes and speeds up processing times for aviation transportation security clearances, making airport security more effective and efficient.

In 2005, Transport Canada processed about 40,000 applications for security clearances.

INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES

In 2005, Transport Canada continued to work with such international agencies as the G8, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Key international initiatives included:

The Secure and Facilitated Travel Initiative (SAFTI). Canada and other G8 members evaluated vulnerability assessment methodologies to ensure the safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo, which would benefit international commerce while enhancing security.
The ICAO's Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP). Transport Canada co-chaired this initiative and because of its recognized expertise, has trained inspectors worldwide to work on inspection teams.
The ICAO Aviation Security Awareness Training Programme. Transport Canada continued to support this Programme by training civil aviation security officials in the Latin America and the Caribbean regions, and by sharing its expertise on aviation security activities.
Active participation in, and cooperation with, other international fora such as:
- the Transportation Security Cooperation Group (TSCG), co-chaired by Transport Canada in 2005. The TSCG brings together Canada and the U.S. to discuss issues of common interest related to transportation security; and
- the North American Aviation Trilateral (NAAT), a forum enabling Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to discuss aviation security concerns.

Both TSCG and NAAT also enabled Canada to make progress toward harmonizing aviation security policies and regulations across the three countries.

In addition, Transport Canada worked jointly with the U.S. departments of Homeland Security and Transportation to manage aviation security issues and align regulatory requirements and on the Counter-Terrorism Bilateral Agreement.

MARINE SECURITY

The Government of Canada continues to put marine security at the forefront of security enhancements. As a result, Canadians are becoming increasingly more aware of the various enhancements to marine security. An Environics survey reveals that nearly half of those Canadians who were polled say they are confident with the level of security (with seven per cent saying they are very confident). Close to half of all Canadians recall hearing or seeing something in the past year relating to new federal government measures taken to improve the security of Canada's ports and ships. Those who recall hearing about such measures express a noticeably higher degree of confidence in the security of Canada's ports and ships. In general, despite being a relatively new program, Canadians have expressed confidence in the level of Canada's marine security. Figure 4-5 shows the public's perception of the security of Canada's ports and ships.

In 2005, Transport Canada continued to develop the national marine security regime through regulatory enhancements, inspection and enforcement, the Marine Security Contribution Program, and the work of the Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group.

FIGURE 4-5: PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF MARINE SECURITY

Source: Environics Research Group

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ENHANCEMENTS

Work continued on the development of the proposed Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program. In addition to attending several meetings across Canada with stakeholders, Transport Canada provided stakeholders with the latest draft of the proposed regulations and a package containing background information and further details on the proposed program.
A working group was established and met during the November 2005 meeting of the Canadian Marine Advisory Council to examine the possibility of introducing new security requirements for domestic ferries.
Transport Canada continues its work on an information guide for industry that will address security requirements for tall ships and all other special events.
Work continued on the development of the potential use of Administrative Monetary Penalties, which involves the use of monetary penalties for contraventions of federal legislation. This form of enforcement action is typically more expedient and economical than criminal proceedings.
Other activities included the administrative set-up in support of IMO regulatory requirements and the training and the provision of regulatory guidance/interpretation of the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSRs) for both internal and external stakeholders.

INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT

Transport Canada has been active across the country carrying out various activities, including standard-setting, inspection and compliance, and completed awareness, education and support activities. During fiscal year 2004/05, Transport Canada made significant progress in the following areas:

continued assessments of ports, facilities and vessels against regulatory requirements;
worked with the Department of National Defence in establishing coastal Marine Security Operations Centres (MSOC) both in Halifax and Victoria to detect, assess, prevent and respond to a direct or indirect marine security threat;
continued the development of training programs and tools to ensure that inspection/enforcement programs are consistent across Canada;
maintained liaison with the U.S. Coast Guard, including the implementation of joint vessel inspections for foreign-flagged ships and reciprocal port visits to build on best practices;
maintained liaison with Canadian and international stakeholders and industry;
conducted and developed various industry awareness presentations and publications to ensure constant flow of information and awareness activities aimed at target audiences to keep them regularly informed of marine security developments and accomplishments.

MARINE SECURITY CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM

Enhancements to Canada's ports and marine facilities will continue under the $115 million Marine Security Contribution Program, which is a three-year program to be carried out from 2004 to 2007. In 2005, more than $50 million in funding was approved by the Marine Security Contribution Program for more than 600 security enhancement projects. Over the next two remaining years, the Program will continue to fund projects for security enhancements such as the purchase of surveillance equipment (including cameras and closed-circuit TV systems); improvements to dockside and perimeter security and access control, such as fencing, gate signage and lighting; and other port security enhancements.

Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group (IMSWG)

Transport Canada leads the Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group (IMSWG), which coordinates marine security efforts on behalf of the Government of Canada. Its composition includes other government departments participating in marine security enhancements. In 2005, the IMSWG ensured effective delivery of marine security initiatives; provided strategic advice on marine security gaps; facilitated cooperation and coordination among member departments and agencies; developed national marine security policy recommendations; and facilitated communication with federal departments and agencies and other key stakeholders. Transport Canada also administers the Marine Security Coordination Fund, which is a program to provide funding for one-time or short term projects that will enhance collaboration between departments in addressing marine security issues and enhancements. During 2005, Transport Canada administered funding for various projects approved under the fund to other departments including the Department of National Defence, Canada Border Services Agency and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Canada is represented by Transport Canada at many major international organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization, the G8, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. All have identified the security of the global marine transportation system as a high priority. Transport Canada participated with partner nations in numerous conferences and meetings on a range of global marine security initiatives and issues and contributed to international marine security capacity building by delivering workshops in other countries.

SURFACE SECURITY

RAIL AND MASS TRANSIT SECURITY

Following the 2004 attacks on the rail system in Madrid, Transport Canada extended its rail intelligence-sharing network to major transit systems across Canada, including bus and subway systems. Members from coast to coast include railways, urban transit authorities — including those operating subway and bus systems — and bus lines.

Immediately following the attacks in London on July 7, and 21, 2005, Transport Canada activated this network to alert transit and rail operators across the country, and to encourage them to exercise increased vigilance. The network proved to be a very effective tool for quickly heightening awareness and for transit operators to share information about their responses. Transport Canada will continue to work with rail and transit authorities to develop further enhancements to security in these areas, based on threat and risk analysis.

As a result of extensive consultations with the rail and transit operators, the provinces, and the Railway Association of Canada, the Minister announced an immediate action plan designed to address security priorities and to enhance security for passenger rail, public transit and ferry operations through complementary components, including;

creating a new passenger rail and public transit security contribution program, called RideSecure, focussed on commuter rail, subway and major transit systems;
enhancing Transport Canada's ability to provide security expertise and specialized technology assessments and to coordinate the development and sharing of best practices with its partners in rail and public transit security;
conducting mass transit emergency preparedness exercises to be led by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada in collaboration with key jurisdictions and stakeholders; and
creating a new Mass Transit Task Force on intelligence, policing and response.

INTERMODAL CARGO SECURITY

The security of the freight supply chain, that is, containerized cargo, moving internationally is becoming a major transportation security issue. This is expected to continue, and Canada needs to play an appropriate role in ensuring the security of this aspect of the national transportation system. In 2005, Transport Canada, along with Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, the Canadian Border Services Agency, the provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia, and the states of New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and New York continued to collaborate on the Canada–U.S. Cargo Security Project. This project will evaluate technology used to track the movement of cargo containers transiting in the supply chain and detect any security breaches as they move through the transportation system.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSURANCE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

NATIONAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSURANCE PROGRAM (NCIAP)

In Canada a network of physical and computer-based infrastructures — collectively referred to as National Critical Infrastructure — provide essential energy, transportation and communications, as well as safety, financial, health and emergency response services. These infrastructures are essential to the health, safety, security and economic well-being of Canadians and to the effective functioning of governments. Under the National Critical Infrastructure Assurance Program, Transport Canada and 11 other federal government departments strive to:

achieve an effective national emergency management system;
enhance protection and survivability of critical infrastructure; and
reduce loss of life and property resulting from major disasters, accidents or intentional acts.

Transport Canada's role is to help protect Canada's key transportation facilities, services, assets and information. In 2005, Transport Canada continued to work with a number of federal government departments, the provinces, territories and other stakeholders to develop a National Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Strategy. Transport Canada also continued to work cooperatively with the U.S. on critical infrastructure protection and emergency management issues, including co-chairing the Canada-U.S. CIP Steering Committee.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES

Transport Canada participated in the following:

the Canadian part of the exercise TRIPLE PLAY / TOPOFF 3 / ATLANTIC BLUE, a major Canada/U.S./U.K. counter-terrorism exercise which assessed Canada's ability to act quickly, decisively and effectively in concert with international partners in the event of a terrorist attack or other emergency;
the "International Radiological Nuclear Exercise 3 (INEX-3)," a major exercise to test Canada's Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan (FNEP), the aim of which was to test the Canadian late phase and recovery response plans in the event of a national level radiological contamination;
exercise Atlantic Guard III, the aim of which was to enhance the collective ability of various government departments and agencies to react to security related threats within Atlantic Canada;
eight meetings of NATO's Transportation Plenary Boards, Committees and their working groups in accordance with the department's responsibilities under Canada's International NATO Policy.

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) RESPONSE PROJECT

The goal of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Project is to secure access to trained industrial emergency response teams who, when requested by authorities, are capable of helping first responders handle dangerous goods used as CBRN agents in terrorism situations in Canada. Transport Canada began implementing this project for the transportation of dangerous goods in 2002.

These response teams, developed over the years under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act Emergency Response Assistance Plan requirements, routinely provide assistance to first responders in handling dangerous goods involved in transportation accidents. They are appropriately trained and equipped for conventional dangerous goods but will require additional training for non-conventional CBRN agents.

In 2005, Transport Canada continued to work with other federal government departments and the provinces in order to share information and best practices, and increase capabilities to respond in the event of an incident. The department established a database of industrial emergency responders, their capabilities relating to specific products, and geographical areas of response. Potential industrial responders have been provided with additional awareness training, and many have expressed interest in the project. At this time, there are approximately 30 organizations participating in the CBRN Response Program on a voluntary basis.

Transportation Safety

Transportation Security