Established on April 1, 2002, CATSA is an agent Crown corporation accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.
Mandate
CATSA delivers the mandate of security screening at 89 designated airports across the country through a third-party screening contractor model. Playing a pivotal role in Canada’s aviation system, CATSA is responsible for the delivery of the following four mandated activities:
Pre-board screening (PBS)
The screening of all passengers, their carry-on baggage and their belongings prior to their entry to the secure area of an air terminal building.
Hold baggage screening (HBS)
The screening of all passengers’ checked (“hold”) baggage for prohibited items such as explosives, prior to being loaded onto an aircraft.
Non-passenger screening (NPS)
The screening of non-passengers such as flight personnel, ground crew and service providers, and their belongings (including vehicles and their contents) entering restricted areas at the highest-risk airports.
Restricted area identity card (RAIC)
The management of the system that uses iris and fingerprint biometric identifiers to allow authorized non-passengers access to the restricted areas of airports. The final authority that determines access to the restricted areas of an airport is the airport authority.
Cargo
In addition to its mandated activities, CATSA has an agreement with Transport Canada to conduct screening of a limited amount of cargo at smaller airports where screening capacity exists, using existing resources, technology, and procedures.
Cost-recovery and Other Designated Airports
Additionally, CATSA may provide screening services on a cost-recovery basis to both designated and non-designated airports upon the approval of the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. CATSA continues to work with the Montreal Metropolitan Airport to support the launch of commercial operations as part of the cost recovery framework established in the CATSA Act, subject to the approval of Transport Canada.
Mission
CATSA protects the travelling public by providing the highest level of aviation security screening.
Vision
The travelling public and our partners benefit from the most secure aviation security screening service and the best client experience through our leadership.
Core Values
- Integrity: We are driven by a strong conviction in our mandate and mission. We are stewards of public funds, and we act ethically and transparently to foster accountability and public trust.
- Innovation: We are steadfast in our commitment to implementing forward-thinking, creative solutions to evolving and emerging challenges.
- Collaboration: We believe that collaboration is fundamental within the organization, across the aviation industry, and with our partners. We leverage our collective strengths and experience for the benefit of all.
- Inclusivity: In all aspects of our business, respect and inclusivity are central to our approach. We are leaders in the implementation of meaningful actions, dedicated to creating a barrier-free experience for our clients, screening officers, and workforce.
Core Responsibility
As per the Treasury Board Policy on Results, Crown corporations are expected to comply with the requirement to identify Core Responsibilities to support the publication of the Main Estimates, Supplementary Estimates and Public Accounts. CATSA has one Core Responsibility: to deliver effective, efficient, and consistent security at designated airports.
Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks
CATSA is regulated by Transport Canada and is subject to domestic legislation and international standards. As the regulator, Transport Canada is responsible for developing aviation security regulations (Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012) and security measures that govern the screening technologies and procedures that may be used. Technologies are informed by standards adopted by international partners including the United States Transportation Security Administration and the European Civil Aviation Conference. The organization is also subject to a number of other legislative and regulatory instruments. For example, CATSA adheres to, and is compliant with the requirements of the:
- Financial Administration Act (FAA), Part X;
- Crown Corporation General Regulations, 1995;
- Crown Corporation Corporate Plan, Budget, and Summaries Regulations;
- Treasury Board of Canada Directives;
- Canada Transportation Act;
- Transportation Information Regulations;
- Official Languages Act, Part IV;
- Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act;
- Accessible Canada Act and associated regulations;
- Canadian Multiculturalism Act and associated regulations; and
- Employment Equity Act and associated regulations.