4 TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SECURITY

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

In 2004, the security of the national transportation system continued to be strengthened through a number of security enhancements and initiatives. A key component of this is the National Security Policy. This is a strategic framework and action plan designed to ensure that the Government of Canada can prepare for and respond to current and future threats to the security of the transportation system. Through this national policy, the Government of Canada reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure society and to meeting Canada's global responsibilities. The National Security Policy contains three transportationrelated deliverables: a six-point plan for marine security; enhancement of aviation security, including air cargo; and improvement and extension of security background check requirements for transportation workers.

As a result of the National Security Policy and a number of programs and activities undertaken by Transport Canada, public confidence in transportation security in all modes has increased. Results of recent public opinion surveys are presented below, followed by an overview of key transportation security initiatives by mode.

PUBLIC CONFIDENCE

Since September 11, 2001, public confidence in Canada's transportation security regime, particularly aviation security, has increased:

• A majority of Canadians (61 per cent) rated the safety and security of the air mode of transportation as "high". ²
• The percentage of Canadians, who agree that there are sufficient security procedures in place to protect air travellers, even if they cannot see them, increased by five percentage points from 2002 to 71 per cent. Recent polling suggests that this percentage has further increased to 76 per cent. ³
• The percentage of travellers who feel that passenger screening is "very thorough" has increased from 34 per cent in 2002 to 43 per cent in 2004 (see Figure 4-5). ⁴
• Over half of Canadians (53 per cent) now agree that the federal government has done everything reasonable to ensure the safety of air travel in Canada. ⁵
• The majority of Canadians (77 per cent) have a moderate and high confidence in the federal government's ability to prevent terrorist attacks against Canada's airports. ⁶

FIGURE 4-4: CONFIDENCE IN SECURITY TO PROTECT AIR TRAVELLERS

"Even if I cannot see them, I am confident there are sufficient security procedures in place to protect air travellers"

Note: Margin of error: +/- 3.1%
Source: EKOS Research Associates Inc

FIGURE 4-5: PASSENGER SCREENING

"Thinking of the last time you travelled by air, how would you rate the thoroughness of the passenger screening? Would you say that it was ...?"

Note: Margin of error: +/- 3.1%
Source: EKOS Research Associates Inc

AVIATION SECURITY

In 2004, Transport Canada continued to strengthen aviation security, working with other federal government departments, other countries and international organizations, industry stakeholders and labour organizations.

Important initiatives in 2004 included:

• legislative and regulatory enhancements;
• programs such as the Cabin Security Enhancement Contribution Program and the Aviation Transportation Security Clearance Program;
• awareness campaigns and industry training initiatives; and
• international initiatives.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ENHANCEMENTS

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

A key legislative development was the Public Safety Act, which strengthens and clarifies aviation security and safety provisions in the Aeronautics Act, which received Royal Assent on May 6. The Act is designed to further enhance aviation security by increasing Canada's capacity to prevent terrorist attacks, protect citizens and respond quickly should a threat be identified. For instance, it gives government departments the ability to request passenger information in order to stop individuals who pose a threat to transportation security from boarding a flight.

A number of regulations were also amended or introduced in 2004:

• The development of a regulatory framework for a new airport-screening program for non-passengers. The new screening program is implemented by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). Under the program, non-passengers — such as airline personnel, airport employees, refuellers, flight crews, caterers, aircraft groomers, maintenance personnel and ground handlers — are subject to random screening when they enter restricted areas at major airports.
• Amendment of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Aerodrome Designation Regulations. The amendments extend security screening by CATSA to Mont-Tremblant International Airport in Quebec and Red Deer Regional Airport in Alberta. Security screening at Mont-Tremblant International opens up new tourism opportunities by allowing direct flights from untapped American markets. Security screening at Red Deer Regional offers this growing community and its visitors more opportunity to fly to national and international metropolitan centres.
• The development of new requirements for the installation and operation of advanced explosives detection system equipment at airports.
• The development and implementation of Special Location Security Measures. These are site-specific regulations aimed at reducing security risks, if any, associated with new routes between Canada and international locations. Transport Canada began this initiative in cooperation with other government departments.
• Operational trials of different policing models. This came out of a 2003 assessment of aviation security policing requirements, whereby Transport Canada would introduce enhanced requirements at other airports, using a risk-based approach. Transport Canada laid the groundwork for these trials, which, in conjunction with stakeholder consultation, will help shape the enhanced requirements.
• Enhancements to aviation security training requirements for crew members. The requirements are designed to help identify and address potential threats to civil aviation, including hijacking and bomb threats, and outlines processes around the presence of aircraft protective officers.

CABIN SECURITY ENHANCEMENT CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM (CSECP)

Following the events of September 11, 2001, new regulations to reinforce cockpit doors on Canadianregistered aircraft were introduced to provide further protection to flight crews and Canadian air travellers. The reinforced doors will prevent forcible intrusions into flight crew compartments by would-be hijackers and, in turn, increase public confidence in Canada's civil aviation system. Transport Canada's Cabin Security Enhancement Contribution Program (CSECP) provided financial assistance to Canadian operators required to modify aircraft to comply with the regulations. There were 28 operators with 486 eligible passenger and cargo aircraft in the program. The CSECP officially ended on March 31, 2004.

AVIATION TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CLEARANCE PROGRAM

In 2004, Transport Canada continued to implement the Aviation Transportation Security Clearance Program, which is aimed at reducing the risk of unauthorized persons entering restricted areas of an airport. This program uses the Transport Canada Automated Fingerprint Identification System (TCAFIS) to modernize and speed up processing times for aviation transportation security clearances, thus making airport security more effective and efficient. Transport Canada won the 2004 Government Technology Exhibition in Canada's (GTEC) Award (gold) for this initiative in the Information Management Excellence in the Public Sector category. In addition, Transport Canada was selected as a semi-finalist for the Webber Seavey Award, which is sponsored jointly by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and Motorola. This is the most prestigious award within the international police community and is presented annually to law enforcement organizations worldwide to recognize the fight against terrorism and dedication to the quality of life in local communities.

AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS AND INDUSTRY TRAINING INITIATIVES

Transport Canada conducted a number of awareness campaigns in 2004 aimed at airport employees and air carriers. Campaigns were carried out in cooperation with the Canadian Aviation Security Awareness Advisory Committee (CASAAC), which includes Transport Canada, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), the Canadian Airports Council (CAC), the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) and NAV CANADA.

One of the key awareness campaigns in 2004 was the Air Cargo Security Awareness Campaign. Through this campaign, Transport Canada distributed:

• 60,000 brochures to air carrier employees and 20,000 posters to air carriers, entitled "Securing Our Future Together"; and
• 6,000 security awareness posters to air carrier and freight forwarders, entitled "Report All Suspicious Activity."

In 2004, Transport Canada also updated the "Transport Canada Cargo Screening Training Program" and video, aimed at air cargo handlers, air carrier representatives and the travelling public. Developed through a joint working group with industry representatives, the program was well received by the air cargo industry and industry associations.

Phase I of the Air Carrier Security Training Project was completed in 2004, and included enhancements to aviation security requirements for crew members and other persons conducting searches on aircraft, food containers, and aircraft stores. In parallel, and in consultation with industry stakeholders, Transport Canada developed guidance material to assist air carriers in the development of their aviation security operational procedures and training programs for crew members.

INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES

Transport Canada cooperates with a number of countries and international agencies to enhance aviation security and align Canadian and international standards. In 2004, Transport Canada continued to work with such international agencies as the G8, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) and 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). This was agreed to by G8 nations in June 2004. Its objective is to deter threats, reduce costs, and help ensure safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo, thereby benefitting international commerce while enhancing security. In addition to SAFTI, a 24/7 aviation point of contact network was created to address imminent threats, and methodologies were prepared for assessing the vulnerability of G8 airports to the Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) threat.
• The ICAO's Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP). This program is designed to promote aviation security worldwide by evaluating and assisting its 188 Member States in correcting security deficiencies. Transport Canada co-chairs this initiative and has contributed inspectors to support it. Because of its recognized expertise, Transport Canada also trains inspectors worldwide to work on inspection teams. These inspection teams help identify potential deficiencies in security oversight systems of member countries and make recommendations to resolve any deficiencies.
• Transport Canada's participation and chairing of the ICAO Aviation Security Panel and the 15th meeting of the Ad Hoc Group of Specialists for Detection of Explosives. Transport Canada also actively participated on the ECAC Technical Task Force for aviation security. Participation in these initiatives is aimed at enhancing explosives detection capabilities and the alignment of Canadian and international standards.
• Continued cooperation with the U.S. departments of Homeland Security and Transportation. The goals of this cooperation are to jointly manage aviation security issues and align regulatory requirements. Transport Canada also continued to participate in a Counter Terrorism Bilateral agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

MARINE SECURITY

Throughout 2004, Transport Canada made significant progress toward enhancing marine security.

In order to put the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code into effect in Canada, and to enable Canada to meet its international obligations, Transport Canada developed Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSRs) in consultation with the Canadian marine sector. The MTSRs came into force on July 1, 2004.

The Canadian regulations apply to those vessels and marine facilities covered by the ISPS Code — certain vessels of 500 gross tonnes or more engaged in international voyages, and the marine facilities that serve them — as well as to certain domestic vessels between 100 and 499 gross tonnes that engage in international voyages or trade in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway System.

To date, all affected Canadian-flagged vessels and Canadian marine facilities have been issued appropriate certificates of compliance. All compliant facilities are now listed on both the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Web site and Transport Canada's marine security Web site.

Marine Security Operation Centres (MSOCs) have been established on the east and west coasts (i.e., in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Victoria, British Columbia). The MSOCs actively target vessels to ensure compliance with the ISPS Code and to help other government departments in maritime domain awareness. They are managed by the Department of National Defence with Transport Canada's active support.

As a result of the promulgation of the Public Safety Act, the Government of Canada was able to announce a $115 million Marine Security Contribution Program to help ports and port facilities make security enhancements associated with meeting the ISPS Code. Over the next three years, this program will help fund projects for such initiatives 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, gates, signage and lighting; and other port security enhancements, such as security guards and arrangements with local police departments.

Transport Canada also began consultations on the Marine Facilities Restricted Area Access Clearance Program. This proposed program is designed to prevent unlawful acts of interference with the marine transportation system by requiring background security checks for port workers who need to access certain restricted areas or who occupy certain designated positions at marine facilities. This program would build on the experience gained from Canada's program of background security checks for airport personnel introduced in October 1985. It is expected that this program will be in place as early as possible in 2005.

For more information on how Transport Canada is working to enhance marine security in Canada, visit http://tcinfo/vigilance/en/security_emergency_preparedness/marine/menu.htm.

SURFACE SECURITY

RAIL SECURITY

Following the March 2004 train bombings in Madrid, Spain, Transport Canada stepped up its efforts related to rail security. In cooperation with the Railway Association of Canada, Transport Canada began a comprehensive review of rail security and the current self-regulatory regime. It also organized nationwide teleconferences with federal railway security officials as well as the major mass transit systems, which do not fall under federal jurisdiction. The teleconferences promoted best practices and shared learning experiences about security programs. In addition, a Railway Intelligence Forum was held with CN, CPR and VIA Rail to discuss security concerns.

Transport Canada also cooperated with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to further enhance rail security by sharing information on new security programs and different types of technologies being deployed.

INTERMODAL CARGO SECURITY

The security of containerized cargo moving intermodally and internationally is becoming a major transportation security concern internationally. 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 2004, Transport Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, and Canada Border Services Agency continued to collaborate with the provincial governments of Quebec and Nova Scotia and U.S. Working Group members to develop a Canada–U.S. Cargo Security Project. This project would use technology to track the movement of cargo containers and detect any security breaches to the containers as they move through the transportation system.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

NATIONAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSURANCE PROGRAM (NCIAP)

Canada and Canadians depend on a network of physical and computer-based infrastructures that provide essential energy, transportation and communications, as well as safety, financial, health and emergency response services. These infrastructures — collectively referred to as National Critical Infrastructure, or NCI — 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 2004, Transport Canada continued to contribute to critical infrastructure activities through awareness sessions with stakeholders and other provinces. Transport Canada worked with New Brunswick in a federal–provincial sponsorship to develop a Critical Infrastructure Assurance Program that could be used by other provinces. Transport Canada provided input to threat, risk and vulnerability assessments on crosssectoral infrastructure in order to determine common binational research and development opportunities, through workshops held in Canada and the United States.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES

Transport Canada's legislative civil emergency preparedness roles and responsibilities include participation in NATO activities. As the Canadian delegate, Transport Canada provided technical expertise at meetings of the Planning Boards and Committees (PB&C) in 2004. One of the key issues was harmonization of the Aviation and Marine War Risk Insurance Schemes across NATO member states. The issues and recommendations considered at the Senior Civil Emergency Planning Committee are often those that have benefitted from the contributions made by representatives of the Canadian government, including members of Transport Canada, who regularly attend meetings of the RB&C.

Transport Canada is also involved in supporting other government departments in emergency preparedness initiatives, such as the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Strategy. Although this initiative is led by Health Canada – Public Health Agency (PHA), Transport Canada has committed support functions to help the PHA in the event of a health outbreak. In early 2004, the PHA released the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan, which was developed collaboratively with the provinces and territories. The Plan maps out how Canada would prepare for, and respond to, a pandemic influenza outbreak. It created a framework that guides the actions of all levels of government and includes an emergency response plan, as well as guidelines and checklists to help all jurisdictions with their emergency planning.

TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS

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

The Project is based on the network of existing responders that has been developed over the years under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act's Emergency Response Assistance Plan requirements. These responders routinely provide assistance to first responders in handling dangerous goods involved in transportation accidents and are therefore appropriately trained and equipped.

In 2004, Transport Canada organized two-day CBRN awareness sessions for industry responders in Halifax, Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal and Vancouver. Topics included awareness of chemical, biological and radiological materials, as well as overview and recognition of CBRN incidents, incident scene attendance, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the responders and the authorities in charge at the scene.

Transport Canada continued to establish contacts with various key federal and certain provincial departments to develop linkages and/or partnerships to ensure successful implementation of the CBRN Response Project.

2 Rethinking Government 2004 – Wave 4 Report, EKOS Research Associates (February 2005). Back to text

3 Perceptions of Air Travel Safety and Security in Canada: Wave III, EKOS Research Associates (March 2004). Back to text

4 Perceptions of Air Travel Safety and Security in Canada: Wave III, EKOS Research Associates (March 2004). Back to text

5 Public Security Monitor 2004 – Wave 5: Looming Challenges – Privacy, Risk, and Canada-U.S. Relations, EKOS Research Associates (October 2004). Back to text

6 Public Security Monitor 2004 – Wave 5: Looming Challenges – Privacy, Risk, and Canada-U.S. Relations, EKOS Research Associates (October 2004). Back to text

Transportation Safety

Transportation Security