4 TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SECURITY

An increase in the number of accidents was noted in all modes in 2003, while the number of fatalities fell in marine and rail transportation. Public confidence in the security of Canada's transportation system continues to rise as further security enhancements were implemented in 2003.

A safe and secure transportation system ensures that all Canadians are able to travel and it also contributes to Canada's economic prosperity and ability to trade effectively. This is why preserving the safety and security of Canada's transportation system remains Transport Canada's primary focus.

Canada already has one of the safest and most secure transportation systems in the world and continues to work diligently to further improve the system. In upholding the safety and security of the transportation system, Transport Canada carries out its objectives through three principal activities: rulemaking, oversight and outreach.

The safety and security of the transportation system is a shared responsibility. Transport Canada collaborates with other federal departments whose programs and services may be affected by transportation activities. Transport Canada also works with provincial, territorial and municipal governments particularly concerning the maintenance of the highway system and enforcement of road safety, as well as the co-delivery of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) program. Furthermore, Transport Canada works closely with transportation sector industries, agencies and associations, all of which have a vested interest in the transportation infrastructure, regulatory regime and safety and security. Additionally, Transport Canada collaborates with its international partners - such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) - to harmonize safety and security standards and to share best practices in safety and security systems.

In 2003, Transport Canada - working with government and industry stakeholders - increased its efforts to be more vigilant and to implement more stringent transportation safety and security standards. Canada continues to maintain a good transportation safety record. Although the number of accidents was up for all modes of transportation in 2003 (latest data for road is 2002), the number of transportation-related fatalities for marine and rail remained below those of 2002. Moreover, the number of transportation-related fatalities has remained below the previous five-year average in aviation, rail, marine and the transportation of dangerous goods, as well as slightly below for road (2002 data). The safety record observed in the different transportation modes in 2003 has not affected the long-term trends in accidents reported in previous years.

The positive outcomes in transportation have been influenced by security enhancement initiatives introduced in 2003, which have contributed to improved public confidence in the safety and security of the transportation system.

This chapter reviews developments and initiatives concerning the safety and security of Canada's transportation system during 2003. After a review by mode of the 2003 safety records, transportation security is discussed and the various enhancements undertaken in 2003 are reviewed.

Transportation Safety

Transportation Security