Directive No. 25
Revision 2

Participation in the Development of International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommended Practices

Policy Objective:

To clarify the role of Civil Aviation employees participating in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) bodies that develop ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

Policy Statement:

Given the interdependent nature of civil aviation systems, which can impact on international aviation safety, Transport Canada recognizes it has an important role to play in the development of ICAO SARPs and supports the participation of Transport Canada Civil Aviation employees as Canadian representatives in ICAO deliberations.  Civil Aviation members are expected to establish information networks with appropriate Canadian Civil Aviation Stakeholders, including employees within Transport Canada and the Canadian Civil Aviation industry, and to collaborate in comprehensive discussion to ensure that the best Canadian advice and follow-up is available when developing ICAO SARPs.

Application:

This Policy applies to all Transport Canada Civil Aviation employees who are Members of, or Advisers on, ICAO bodies responsible for developing ICAO SARPs.

Approach:

ICAO’s selection of States to make nominations to an ICAO body offers the opportunity to benefit from international experience and knowledge in the development of SARPs.

Transport Canada Civil Aviation employees nominated  as Members/Advisers to ICAO panel, or other bodies providing technical expertise, are expected prepare for meetings by to fully researching the subject matter and coordinating their proposed contribution with colleagues, appropriate key industry stakeholders and managers responsible for policy direction..  The names of Stakeholders and the affected Civil Aviation Managers are to be approved by the affected functional Director(s) and a copy is to be provided to the International Aviation Branch. (Appendix A)

The member/adviser must keep in mind that, although the SARPs are for international application, the member is representing the positions approved in their position papers, and not their own personal opinion.

Responsibilities Before the Meeting:

Functional Branches:

• Prepare a Transport Canada position paper, taking into account the comments and impact of the views from the Canadian aeronautical industry through advance consultation and Transport Canada regulatory directions. This will require awareness of the subject matter and preparation of a position paper based on previous meeting issues, agenda objectives and associated working papers. A sample paper is provided as Appendix B.
• Although panel members often receive working papers just before and sometimes during the meeting, it is imperative that general issues of concern and potential issues be identified before attending the meeting. Position paper(s) must be prepared ten (10) working days in advance of the meeting/workshop
• For working papers that are received just before or during the meeting it is imperative the Canadian Member does not commit to an ICAO position when a Canadian position has not been developed.
• The Branch Director must approve all position papers. When multiple branches are concerned, approval by the Director International Aviation and Technical Programs may also be required.
• An electronic copy of the position paper must be submitted to the Chief, International Aviation Division for posting on the International Aviation Branch’s internal web site in advance of the meeting date.

International Aviation and Technical Programs Branch:

• Provide format guidance to members/delegates when preparing position papers on the key issues that will be discussed at such meetings.
• Translate and post the approved position papers on the International Aviation and Technical Programs Intranet Website.
• Maintain the documentation on the Intranet Website as a reference for future meetings.
• Submit the electronic copy of the position papers to Canadian Representative at ICAO (CANREP).

Responsibilities After the Meeting:

Functional Branches:

• Within ten (10) working days of the meeting, submit a brief Trip Report to the manager along with copies to the Chief, International Aviation Division. The report is to be in electronic word format and include identification of potential issues and a listing of action items for Canada at the conclusion of the meeting. A sample report is provided in Appendix C.

International Aviation and Technical Programs Branch:

• Post the trip reports on the International Aviation and Technical Programs Intranet website
• Oversee compliance with the Civil Aviation Directive (CAD) 25 requirements.

Further Information:
Robert Shuter
Director, International Aviation and Technical Programs
Telephone: (613) 990-8177
Facsimile: (613) 998-4860
E-mail: shuterb@tc.gc.ca

Merlin Preuss
Director General
Civil Aviation

Effective date:  January 18, 2007
This directive will be reviewed annually