New options for smaller Canadian airports

Screening services to attract new routes and drive economic development

OTTAWA, July 28, 2015 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada today announced new regulations to allow airports that don't have access to security screening services from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to obtain them on a cost-recovery basis.

Over the last few years, several small airports expressed interest in obtaining screening services. The new regulations allow smaller, non-designated airports to invest in screening services in order to provide passengers with connecting flights to larger airports, while enhancing the security of the aviation system in Canada.

On behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, the announcement is being made by the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the airport in Niagara, Ontario, and by Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, at the airport in Edson, Alberta.

Quick Facts

• There are over 200 airports in Canada that offer commercial flights, fewer than half of which are designated in regulation to provide mandatory passenger and baggage screening.
• This initiative further supports the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan to protect Canadians and support jobs and growth.
• The changes to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 will be published in Canada Gazette, Part II on July 29, 2015.
• CATSA plays a key role in ensuring the safety and security of all travellers passing through Canadian airports.

Quotes

"By working with our partners in private and public sectors, we continue to strengthen the security and efficiency of our aviation system. In doing so, we are helping air transportation contribute to employment, economic growth and Canadian communities."
The Honourable Rob Nicholson
Minister of Foreign Affairs

"Having a solid link to the main air transportation network is important to the local economy. The Government of Canada certainly supports these objectives, which help drive commerce and tourism."
The Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs,and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

"Small airports like the one in Edson asked for the opportunity to provide security screening and the Government of Canada is proud to support their decision. This new initiative could make a real difference to our community."
Jim Eglinski
Member of Parliament for Yellowhead

Associated Links

• Changes to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (www.tc.gc.ca/eng/aviationsecurity/regulation-casr-244.html)
• The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (www.catsa.gc.ca)

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This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

SOURCE Transport Canada

Ashley Kelahear, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055