CATSA is committed to supporting Government of Canada priorities, as set out in the Speech from the Throne, the government’s budget plans, the mandate letter from the Prime Minister to the Minister of Transport, and the letter of expectations from the Minister of Transport to the Chairperson of CATSA’s Board of Directors (see Appendix A).
Improved Service Delivery
CATSA strives to improve its mandated delivery of security screening services through meeting or exceeding its security effectiveness and wait-time service level targets, investing in ongoing professional development for its workforce and screening officers, driving innovation with the implementation of new technologies, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, implementing life-cycle management plans and collaborating with partners to promote an integrated aviation ecosystem and elevate the client experience.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
CATSA shares the Government of Canada’s commitment to respecting Canada’s diversity and inclusion values as it relates to its workforce and in delivering respectful and inclusive security screening. As part of its efforts, the organization has collaborated with various special interest groups as well as third party service providers to enhance training for CATSA staff and screening officers, on topics such as Indigenous cultural awareness, unconscious bias and accessibility.
In addition to the efforts contained in CATSA’s Employment Equity Plan described in Appendix G, the organization’s Code of Ethics, Conduct and Conflict of Interest, is designed to foster and reinforce a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment for all.
CATSA’s commitments to diversity, equality, inclusion and employment equity are also supported by the adoption of workplace policies and practices that ensure employees from diverse backgrounds have access to reasonable accommodation of their values and traditions. Progress towards meeting diversity and employment equity goals is actively measured, monitored and evaluated. CATSA submits an annual report on its fulfillment of the Employment Equity Act and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.
See the Planning and Results section for more information on diversity and inclusion at CATSA.
Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
CATSA is fully committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, which includes striving towards a workforce that is representative of Indigenous populations and ensuring that sacred and spiritual items are treated respectfully during the screening process.
In 2023, CATSA collaborated with Indigenous leaders to develop the course material for the Indigenous Cultural Awareness learning program provided to screening contractors, screening officers and CATSA staff. The goal of the training is to enhance the service offered to Indigenous travellers and incorporate diverse Indigenous backgrounds, experiences, cultural values and traditions into CATSA’s operations. The course material was presented to CATSA employees in 2023/24.
CATSA collaborates with screening contractors to underscore the importance of the procedures for screening sacred and spiritual items. These procedures outline best practices for screening items with sensitivity and respect.
Gender-based Analysis Plus
CATSA enables the implementation of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) principles in its decision-making processes, employment and recruitment practices, and operational procedures. Progress on efforts towards creating a barrier-free, inclusive, and sensitive environment is measured against the CATSA’s GBA Plus Action Plan, and supports the organization’s objectives related to improving the client experience and creating an inclusive environment for its own workforce. The action plan has been successful in championing new initiatives, strengthening current processes and identifying gaps. CATSA has implemented successful initiatives including integrating GBA Plus principles into the project planning process and mandatory GBA Plus training for decision makers.
CATSA will be implementing its new Service Strategy with GBA Plus principles at the forefront. This strategy reflects the importance of respectful, sensitive and barrier-free interactions with passengers.
Lastly, the organization’s Diversity and Inclusion Network undertakes strong internal engagement work, educating employees and management on GBA Plus principles and resources.
Ensuring Accessibility for all Canadians
CATSA’s commitment to a barrier-free workplace and security screening experience for all Canadians is paramount in the planning and analysis of programs, practices, policies and services. This focus frames CATSA’s future through an accessible lens.
CATSA published its first Accessibility Plan by December 31, 2022, followed by its Accessibility Plan Progress Report by December 31, 2023 and 2024. The organization continues to progress towards the Accessible Canada Act commitment to a barrier-free Canada by 2040.
Ongoing engagement with the accessibility community remains a priority through engagement events and consultation with associations representing the interests of persons with disabilities, including a forum, which will be hosted by CATSA in spring 2025.
Sustainable Development
In September 2015, United Nations Member States, including Canada, adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the UN General Assembly.
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs outlined 17 goals for sustainable development. Many of CATSA’s programs and services are maintained and developed in line with the following sustainable development goals:
- Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls;
- Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all;
- Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation;
- Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable;
- Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns;
- Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; and
- Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
CATSA incorporates UN sustainable development principles into practice, using the goals as a guideline to build a sustainability framework to progress government priorities throughout the organization. CATSA’s existing initiatives including the Accessibility Plan, GBA Plus Action Plan, and Employment Equity Plan highlight the organization’s strong foundation of sustainability and equity.
Climate Change and Green Government
CATSA will make annual disclosures in accordance with the TCFD, beginning in its 2024/25 Annual Report. Please see page 10 for more information.