Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CATSA is committed to screening all travellers in an effective, efficient, and respectful manner. In addition, there is a strong commitment to workplace policies and practices that ensure employees have reasonable accommodation of their values and traditions. For example, CATSA’s Diversity and Inclusion Network supports the identification of barriers to employment equity, in addition to providing diversity and inclusion initiatives and training. As well, progress towards creating a secure and inclusive environment is measured against CATSA’s Gender Based Analysis Plus Action Plan, 90% of which has been completed. In addition, all new policies and programs are developed with an intersectional lens to ensure that CATSA strengthens its security screening operations in an inclusive manner for the betterment of the diverse travelling public.
Contributing to an Accessible Air Travel Experience
In December 2024, CATSA published its Accessibility Plan Progress Report, an annual update on its three-year Accessibility Plan. The progress report highlights various initiatives, including the new facilitator position, which enhances support for passengers requiring assistance as well as CATSA’s efforts to expand accessible employment opportunities, by prioritizing inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations. Furthermore, the organization participates in multiple forums to enhance the passenger experience for persons with disabilities and is hosting a series of engagement sessions to inform the development of its next Accessibility Plan. Additionally, there is a working group to measure progress on action items and federal requirements to mitigate barriers for passengers, non-passengers, screening officers and CATSA personnel with disabilities. Moreover, CATSA supports government efforts to reduce barriers to mobility and has completed a study that informs the development of accessible enhancements to security screening and improve the experience for persons with disabilities.
Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
CATSA continued its Indigenous Cultural Awareness learning program, led by Indigenous facilitators, which provides context for screening Indigenous Peoples and their belongings, and instruction on respectful and sensitive screening practices. These efforts were in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 57, which calls upon the Government of Canada to educate employees on the history and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. This learning program has informed changes to screening procedures for sacred and spiritual items and resulted in increased Indigenous cultural awareness for screening officers and CATSA personnel.
Official Languages
CATSA is required to provide screening services in both official languages at airports with one million or more passengers annually, and at airports with significant demand in the minority language. To enhance operations and to guide compliance, CATSA has established and maintains an Official Languages Action Plan. The Action Plan conveys measures to strengthen the coordination and representation of official languages across the organization, including the enhanced official languages course for screening officers that provides new tools like the guide to the bilingual active offer process, and new coaching for screening officers to better prepare them to offer bilingual services and to underscore their role in upholding official language commitments. CATSA also regularly surveys passengers to verify if they were served in their preferred language. In 2024/25, 96.1% of respondents indicated they were served in the official language of their choice.
Office of the Auditor General of Canada – Special Examination Results
Under the Financial Administration Act, CATSA is subject to a Special Examination every 10 years. The audit provides reasonable assurance that CATSA’s assets are safeguarded and controlled, its resources are managed economically and efficiently, and its operations are carried out effectively. The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) of Canada 2025 Special Examination report found no significant deficiencies in the corporate management practices or in the management of operations of CATSA. The OAG’s 10 recommendations reflect areas for growth, and as at the end of April 2025, all recommendations were addressed by CATSA. The 2025 Special Examination Report can be found on CATSA’s and the OAG’s website.