Airports Willing Partners in CATSA Review

Canada's airports renew commitment to working with Minister of Transport on review of aviation security

OTTAWA, June 15 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada's airports today renewed a commitment made in February to work closely with the federal government on its comprehensive review of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). Canada's airports pledge to be "willing partners" in the review.

"Canada's airports recognise that there is an increased burden on aviation security resources in this country today," said CAC Acting President Bill Restall. "Over the coming weeks, we will eagerly work with government to ensure that Canada's aviation sector remains as secure as ever, and that the future model for the delivery of aviation security is flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of airports of various sizes from coast to coast during an era when security rules are constantly changing."

A crown corporation, CATSA currently is responsible for the pre-board screening of passengers and their belongings; baggage screening through airport explosives detection systems; and screening and tracking of non-passengers entering airport restricted areas.

As part of the federal 2010 budget, the government said it would launch a full review of CATSA's spending, efficiency and structure to ensure it is fulfilling its mandate effectively.

"Hundreds of millions of dollars are invested annually in aviation security in Canada. Airports are pleased that we now will explore if this money is being spent in the most effective manner, in order to determine whether alternative models would better serve the needs of industry and the travelling public," said Debbie Ciccotelli, chair of the CAC Security Committee and head of security at Canada's largest airport, Toronto Pearson. "Airports have ideas, and we look forward to sharing these ideas with government."

About the Canadian Airports Council

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) is the voice for Canada's airports. Its 50 members represent more than 200 airports, including all of the National Airports System (NAS) airports and most significant municipal airports in every province and territory. Together, CAC members handle virtually all of the nation's air cargo and international passenger traffic and 95% of domestic passenger traffic. They create in excess of $45 billion in economic activity in the communities they serve. And more than 200,000 jobs are directly associated with CAC member airports, generating a payroll of more than $8 billion annually.

For further information: Daniel-Robert Gooch, Director of Communications, Canadian Airports Council, [phone] ext 16, [email protected]