Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks
Under provisions of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act (the CATSA Act), and within the framework of the Aeronautics Act, CATSA is responsible for the screening of persons who access aircraft or restricted airport areas, the property in their possession or control, and the belongings that they give to an air carrier for transportation at designated airports across the country. CATSA’s screening operations are also guided by the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012, and the Screening Security Measures.
Other legislation and Treasury Board of Canada directives address financial accountability, official languages, impact assessments, privacy, access to information, and multiculturalism, including:
- 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;
- Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act;
- Accessible Canada Act and associated regulations; and
- Employment Equity Act and associated regulations. .
Government of Canada Directives
Public sector pension reform
In June 2019, CATSA was issued a directive (Order in Council P.C. 2019-783) pursuant to Section 89 of the FAA, which outlines certain principles with regards to CATSA’s pension plans. CATSA is compliant with the directive.
Travel and Hospitality
As part of CATSA’s commitment to open and accountable governance, CATSA confirms that its Travel, Hospitality, Conferences and Event Expenditures Policy is in compliance with directive P.C. 2015-1114, pursuant to Section 89 of the FAA, which requires CATSA’s policies, guidelines and practices to be aligned with Treasury Board policies, directives and related instruments on travel, hospitality, conference and event expenditures in a manner that is consistent with its legal obligations. This policy is available on CATSA’s website.
CATSA reports travel and hospitality expenses through proactive disclosure. This disclosure is aligned with the Treasury Board standards for expenditures that are currently in effect.
Proactive Publication under the Access to Information Act
In June 2023, the Government of Canada issued a new Directive on Proactive Publication under the Access to Information Act. CATSA continues to be committed to open and accountable governance through proactive publication. All proactive publication requirements were completed during 2024/25 and within legislative timelines.
Greening Government Strategy: A Government of Canada Directive
CATSA recognizes its role in supporting the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy, and will align to the strategy, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Employment Equity Act
CATSA takes appropriate measures pursuant to the Employment Equity Act.
The objective of the CATSA’s Employment Equity Plan, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, is to achieve a well-balanced workforce that reflects Canada’s diversity and fosters a positive and supportive working environment. CATSA endeavours to reduce and eliminate gaps in representation among the four designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, and persons with disabilities). The plan addresses previously identified barriers and sustains positive practices to increase the representation of the four designated groups while encompassing broader principles of diversity and inclusion.
Official Languages Act
Under Part IV of the Official Languages Act, CATSA is required to provide screening services to the travelling public in both official languages at airports with one million or more passengers, and at airports where there is a significant demand for services in the minority language. A measurement of demand exercise is currently underway and will be completed in 2026.
CATSA surveys passengers across the country on a quarterly basis to verify if they were served in their preferred language, and to identify opportunities for improvement. Survey results, along with compliance measurement reports and complaints, are analyzed and used to improve front-line performance.
CATSA remains committed to its official languages obligations, including those that relate to its workforce. The organization works closely with its internal Advisory Committee on Official Languages, as well as the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages and the Treasury Board Secretariat Official Languages Centre of Excellence, to make further progress on official languages goals.
CATSA also continues to monitor the regulatory changes introduced by Bill C-13, An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada's Official Languages, to ensure the organization makes the necessary changes to its business operations.
Access to Information Act and Privacy Act
CATSA is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act and strives to meet both the spirit and the legal requirements of both.
As part of the organization’s commitment to its Privacy Act obligations, CATSA has training requirements for all employees, covering privacy essentials including the collection and use of personal information and implementing privacy protection measures.
Pay Equity Act
CATSA posted its revised Pay Equity Plan in September 2024, in accordance with the Pay Equity Act. The organization is committed to closing the gender wage gap and ensure that workers receive equal pay for work of equal value. CATSA’s Pay Equity Plan introduces long-term, sustainable changes that will ensure that work that is considered predominantly done by women is valued and compensated fairly.
Protection of Federal Assets
CATSA is committed to ensuring the responsible acquisition, maintenance and ultimate replacement of its screening equipment and related technologies and systems. CATSA’s lifecycle management plans ensure a comprehensive approach to the proper protection of federal assets to ensure optimal value for money for the duration of the planned economic life of the equipment.
Bill C-52: The Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in the Transportation System Act
CATSA is staying abreast of the progress of Bill C-52, which would enact the Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in the Transportation System Act, further increasing accountability within the aviation ecosystem, promoting better data sharing aimed at enhancing operations for the benefit of passengers, and enhancing communication for passengers.