Air Carrier/Facilities Inspection Program

The Enforcement Division is charged with enforcing the licensing provisions of the Canada Transportation Act as they apply to publicly available air carriers. Regional investigators, located in Moncton, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver, work closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Transport Canada and Canada Revenue Agency. The program involves three elements: the Periodic Carrier Inspection Program, the Targeted Investigations Program and Special Field Projects.

Summary

The goal of the Enforcement Division is to inspect all Canadian-based licensed air carriers at least once every three years. Inspections focus on compliance with the Canada Transportation Act, the Air Transportation Regulations and the Personnel Training for the Assistance of Persons with Disabilities Regulations. Special emphasis is placed on insurance irregularities and the possession of valid Transport Canada air operator Certificate. If a designated enforcement officer finds a violation of a provision listed in the Canadian Transportation Agency Designated Provisions Regulations, the officer may issue a warning or a notice of violation setting out an administrative monetary penalty to be paid (penalties range between $100 and $25 000). Other contraventions can be referred to the Agency for formal actions against the carrier's licence. In the event of a very serious offence, the matter can be referred to the courts for prosecution.

Targeted investigations are conducted when transportation companies or individuals are suspected of operating illegally within Canada. Illegal activities put the public at risk as they substantially increase the potential that a carrier's insurance would not be valid in the event of an incident. As well, some carriers can gain an unfair advantage over others who operate within the law. For these reasons, targeted investigations take precedence over regularly scheduled inspections. Where it is determined that an offence has taken place, the case may be referred, via the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, to the courts for prosecution.

Special Field Projects is the third element of the enforcement program. Amongst other things, this element includes educating the public on the requirements of the current legislation. Given suitable notice, regional investigators are available to make presentations and provide information sessions regarding the Canada Transportation Act and the Air Transportation Regulations. This service is offered without charge to all interested parties, but is subject to time and budget constraints.

The following documents are available: An Introduction to the Enforcement Programs, Enforcement Manual and AMPs (Administrative Monetary Penalties).

Quebec Contact(s):
Mr. Richard Laliberté
Senior Investigator
Canadian Transportation Agency
Room 802-3
101 Roland-Therrien Boulevard
Longueuil, Quebec  J4H 4B9
Telephone: (450) 928-4173
Fax: (450) 928-4174
E-mail: montreal.qc@cta-otc.gc.ca

---

National Contact(s):
Mr. Dennis Rennick
Manager
Enforcement Division
Canadian Transportation Agency
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0N9
Telephone: (819) 953-9786
Fax: (819) 994-0289
E-mail: app.enf@cta-otc.gc.ca