4 TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SECURITY

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

In 2006, Transport Canada continued to strengthen Canada’s transportation security regime through various enhancements and government-wide initiatives, in collaboration with other federal government departments, other countries and international organizations, labour organizations, industry and other stakeholders.

Transport Canada continued to play an important role in the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP). In 2005, the leaders of Canada, the United States and Mexico, agreed to pursue discussions on ways to enhance the security of North America and promote the quality of life of its citizens. Transportation security is a key component of the SPP, and Transport Canada continued to collaborate effectively with Canadian stakeholders, the United States and Mexico to develop and implement North American transportation security strategies on, among other issues, aviation security, marine security, emergency preparedness and critical infrastructure protection.

AVIATION SECURITY

PERCEPTIONS OF AIR TRAVEL SECURITY

In 2006, 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. Public confidence in aviation security has gained stability over the past year and has remained relatively unchanged since 2005 (see Table 4-2 and Figure 4-5).

TABLE 4-2: PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF AVIATION SECURITY

• Concern about and confidence in the security aspect of air travel is stable. Currently, 30 per cent of Canadians are very concerned and 41 per cent are somewhat concerned. Paradoxically, confidence in security remains high (96 per cent express at least a moderate level of confidence).
• Thinking of the last time they had travelled by air, a plurality of flyers (48 per cent) feels that passenger screening is very thorough, and slightly fewer (42 per cent) feel it is somewhat thorough.
• Nine in 10 Canadians believe that luggage and passenger screening procedures are at least moderately effective. However, 45 per cent also believe that passenger screening measures are not uniformly applied across the country.
• Seventy-three per cent of Canadians now believe there are sufficient security procedures in place to protect air travellers. This represents an increase of seven percentage points since 2002.
• In contrast to self-reported wait times falling well within reasonable limits, flyers are least satisfied with the time it took them to go through security.
• Overall, nearly all flyers express moderate to high levels of satisfaction with their most recent air travel experience. With respect to specific aspects of this experience, flyers are most satisfied with the overall sense of security at the airport (64 per cent express high levels of satisfaction).

Source: Perceptions of Air Travel Safety and Security in Canada: Wave IV, EKOS Research Associates (March 31, 2006)

FIGURE 4-5: CONCERN WITH SECURITY OF AIR TRAVEL

Source: Perceptions of Air Travel Safety and Security in Canada: Wave V, EKOS Research Associates (March 31, 2006)

AVIATION SECURITY INITIATIVES

Key aviation security initiatives in 2006 include:

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

In addition to these activities, the advisory panel appointed by the Minister of Transport Canada continued to review the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) Act. The Act came into force on April 1, 2002. It required the Minister of Transport to complete a review of the provisions and operation of the legislation during its sixth year and report on the results to Parliament. This expert panel consulted with stakeholders across the country to identify possible enhancements to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act. The panel’s report was tabled on December 12, 2006.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ENHANCEMENTS

To augment the rigorous security standards already in place, Transport Canada developed security regulations in 2006 to:

• facilitate the movement of passengers and goods through Canadian airports without compromising aviation security;
• create an enhanced security regime for specific air carriers or all carriers travelling between Canada and specific countries by tailoring customized requirements to effectively mitigate security risks associated with flights;
• enhance pre-board security screening through its new security measures, including prohibiting certain liquids and gels on board aircraft; and
• enhance access to restricted areas of airports through the use of Restricted Area Identity Cards (RAIC), a biometric-enabled technology used to verify accurately the individuals accessing restricted areas in and around Canada’s 29 major airports.

AVIATION TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CLEARANCE PROGRAM

In 2006, Transport Canada continued to manage the Aviation Transportation Security Clearance Program to reduce 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. In 2006, Transport Canada processed about 40,000 applications for security clearances from air industry stakeholders and persons requiring access to secure areas of airports.

INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES

Transport Canada continued to work with key international allies and international organizations. Transport Canada continued to co-chair the Canada–U.S. Transportation Security Cooperation Group (TSCG). Bringing the two countries together to discuss issues of common interest related to transportation security, the TSCG played an important role in working toward achieving bilateral SPP aviation and transportation security goals. Similarly, Transport Canada continued to work with the United States and Mexico in the North American Aviation Trilateral (NAAT), a forum enabling the three countries to discuss aviation security concerns and work toward achieving trilateral SPP aviation security goals. Both the TSCG and NAAT enabled Transport Canada to make progress on harmonizing security policies and regulations across the three countries. Transport Canada coordinated Canada’s involvement in the international transportation security initiatives and programs. Transport Canada works with international partners to build a common approach to security and facilitate joint activity and the leveraging of resources. Examples included the coordination of several transportation security initiatives within the context of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building (CTCB) Program and the Western Hemisphere Transportation Initiative’s Group of Experts on Aviation Safety, Security and Assistance (GEASSA), among others.

Transport Canada continued to enhance Canada’s influence and reputation on the international stage by working with organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, the European Civil Aviation Conference, the International Maritime Organization, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other governments (e.g. the U.S. Department of Homeland Security).

MARINE SECURITY

Marine Security is an important component of overall transportation security that strives to improve security at Canadian ports, on inland waterways and in territorial waters. Since September 11, 2001, the Government of Canada has dedicated $930 million for projects to improve marine security in Canada, including measures to protect marine infrastructure, increase the surveillance of maritime traffic and improve Canada’s capability to respond to emergency situations.

One of the most significant efforts to enhance Canada’s marine security followed the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) development of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which came into force July 1, 2004. The ISPS Code is a comprehensive security regime that establishes an international framework of cooperation between governments, government agencies and the shipping and port industries in order to detect and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade. This Code applies to ships engaged on international voyages. In Canada, the ISPS Code was implemented and is currently enforced through the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSRs). It is important to note that Canada’s marine security program meets or exceeds international standards and ranks among the best in the world.

In 2006, 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.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ENHANCEMENTS

• Amendments to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 15, 2006. These amendments add substantive new Parts (5, 6 and 7) to the Regulations and correct certain minor errors and inconsistencies. Part 5 implements a marine workers’ security clearance program, referred to as the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program (MTSCP). Part 6 implements an administrative monetary penalty (AMP) enforcement scheme, and Part 7 implements the notice and service requirements applicable to that enforcement scheme. The purpose of the MTSCP is to enhance the security of the marine transportation system. The MTSCP is not a new program but an expansion of the existing Security Clearance Program, which has been in place in Canada’s airports since the 1980s.
• A working group established at the November 2005 meeting of the Canadian Marine Advisory Council continues to examine the possibility of introducing new security requirements for domestic ferries.
• Work continued on the development of a Domestic Vessel and Facility Security Strategy that will provide a comprehensive framework for addressing domestic vessel and facility security.
• Transport Canada continues its work on an information guide for industry that will address security requirements for tall ships and all other special events.
• Other activities in 2006 included the administrative setup in support of IMO regulatory requirements and the training and provision of regulatory guidance/interpretation of the 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 2005/06, Transport Canada made significant progress by:• continuing assessments of ports, facilities and vessels against regulatory requirements;

• continuing work with the Department of National Defence and key federal marine security partners in moving the coastal Marine Security Operations Centres (MSOC) in Halifax and Victoria to operational capability to detect, assess, prevent and respond to a direct or indirect marine security threat;
• continuing the development of training programs and tools to ensure that inspection/enforcement programs are consistent across Canada;
• maintaining 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;
• maintaining liaison with Canadian and international stakeholders and industry; and
• conducting and developing various industry awareness presentations and publications to ensure constant flow of information and awareness activities to keep target audiences 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 began in 2004 as a threeyear commitment to assist ports and other marine facilities with security enhancements. In June 2006, the Government announced that the program would be expanded to include domestic ferry operators and would also be extended by two years for all facilities other than Canada Port Authorities. In 2006, more than $40 million in funding was approved for over 380 security enhancement projects. This brings the total approved funding to date to more than $85 million for more than 990 security enhancement projects. Over the next three years, the program will continue to fund such projects as the purchase of surveillance equipment (including cameras and closedcircuit 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. The working group includes other government departments and agencies participating in marine security enhancements. In 2006, the working group:• 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, on behalf of the IMSWG. This is a funding program that supports one-time or limited-period projects by departments or agencies that will help improve the coordination of marine security efforts across the federal government and with other jurisdictions involved in marine security. During 2006, the IMSWG approved funding for interdepartmental projects proposed by Health Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Space Agency.

Transport Canada has the national lead to progress maritime security objectives within the Security and Prosperity Partnership with Mexico and the United States. The trilateral North American Maritime Security Working Group and bilateral Canada–United States Maritime Security Working Group were created as the principal forums for bilateral and trilateral inter-agency discussion and coordination to enhance Canada–Mexico–United States maritime transportation security.

Canada is represented by Transport Canada at many major international organizations, such as the IMO, the Group of Eight (G8), the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Organization of American States (OAS). 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 URBAN TRANSIT SECURITY

As the events of Madrid, London and Mumbai have shown, rail and urban transit systems remain vulnerable to terrorist attacks, as they are large, open systems and carry high volumes of passengers. In recognizing this vulnerability, the federal government in 2006 committed $115 million over five years to enhance the security of Canada’s passenger rail and urban transit operators. Included in this funding is Transit-Secure, a two-year, $80 million contribution funding program designed to provide an incentive for operators of passenger rail and urban transit services to implement new and enhanced security initiatives. Based on current risk assessments, funding will be concentrated on the six urban centres with major urban transit systems: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, the National Capital Region and Montreal. However, smaller operators will also be eligible to receive funds for risk assessments and security plans.

The first round of funding was aimed at major operators in the six urban centres and approved up to $37 million for risk assessments, security plans, employee training programs, public awareness, and the upgrade of security equipment such as access control technology and lighting. Smaller operators will be eligible for up to $3.9 million. The remaining funding rounds will be announced in 2007. As well, drawing on international best practices, Transport Canada is working with federal partners, other levels of government, transportation experts and the transportation community to develop a comprehensive long-term policy. The policy will look at a range of approaches to achieving a sustainable and comprehensive security regime for rail and urban transit in Canada.

INTERMODAL CARGO SECURITY

Budget 2006 allocated $26 million over two years to enhance air cargo security in Canada. Implementation of initiatives to improve cargo screening and security of the air cargo supply chain will commence early in 2007. Consultations to ensure harmonization with international standards and the utilization of best industry practices will continue to be held with national and international partners, including the Canada Border Services Agency, CATSA, Canadian industry, the United States and the United Kingdom throughout the development process. In summer 2006, the National Air Cargo Security Training and Awareness Committee launched a security awareness campaign to emphasize the importance for employees of air cargo-handling facilities to monitor control of access to restricted area.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

NATIONAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSURANCE PROGRAM (NCIAP)

Transport Canada continued to work with a number of federal government departments, the provinces, territories and stakeholders to develop a National Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Strategy. Transport Canada also continued to work cooperatively with the United States on critical infrastructure protection, including co-chairing the Canada–U.S. CIP Steering Committee.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES

In 2006, the main focus was to train and exercise staff in the Transport Canada Situation Centre to ensure effective response to all incidents, emergencies and crisis affecting the transportation system. Transport Canada participated in eight meetings of NATO’s transportation plenary boards, committees and their working groups in accordance with its responsibilities under Canada’s International NATO Policy. In addition, the Insurance Study Group made some progress on the NATO War Risk Insurance Indemnity Agreement for both the marine and aviation schemes. These agreements will ensure NATO’s ability to acquire quality civilian airlift and sealift capacity in times of crisis.

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

Transport Canada continued to implement the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Project for the transportation of dangerous goods. 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 2006, Transport Canada continued to work with other federal government departments and the provinces to share information and best practices and increase capabilities to respond in the event of an incident. Potential industrial responders have been provided with additional awareness training, and many have expressed interest in the project. There are approximately 30 organizations participating on the CBRN Response Project on a voluntary basis.

Transportation Safety

Transportation Security