NEWS RELEASE

December 7, 2001

HOUSE OF COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

After the tragic events of 11 September 2001, there was a realization that aviation security required a different approach than had previously been the case. We could no longer design a security system that did not take into account the fact that terrorists would use an aircraft as weapon and sacrifice their lives in the process. To that end, in October and November 2001, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport and Government Operations undertook a study on aviation security. 

Today, the Committee tabled its report in the House of Commons: BUILDING A TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CULTURE:AVIATION AS THE STARTING POINT  which makes a number of recommendations to enhance aviation security in Canada.

 The Committee’s core recommendation calls for the government to enact a Transportation Security Act administered by a Secretary of State for Transportation Security supported by a Transportation Security Authority within the portfolio of Transport Canada. We believe that this will provide the necessary framework whereby a single agency will have overall responsibility for aviation security – the need for which was continuously stressed throughout our hearings.

As part of the Authority’s primary responsibility to enhance aviation security, we have recommended that it:

• develop an national security database that would allow for the sharing of relevant security information among domestic and international stakeholders;

• examine ways to improve screening practices including training, standardization of procedures and utilization of new technologies;
• study the need for air marshals on domestic and international flights;
• implement standards consistent with the highest possible security for cockpit doors;
• develop standards for flight attendant training in the areas of self defence and conflict resolution;
• ensure the existence of a single agency to issue passes for restricted areas at airports that have a consistent format: and
• develop national training standards for aviation personnel.

In addition, we have called upon the federal government to:

• enhance its auditing and inspection responsibilities of screening activities to ensure rigour  and consistency across Canada;
• establish a National Registry of Aviation Resources to ensure their rapid deployment in case of an emergency; and
• pursue the harmonization of security regimes with other countries and extend this harmonization to other modes of transportation.

On the issue of funding, the Committee believes that enhanced security should be paid for from contributions from airports, air carriers, airline passengers and the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

We believe our recommendations will contribute to building a transportation security culture- the development of which is essential to the enhancement of transportation security in Canada.

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