Aviation security rules: CATSA, RAIC and screening

Summary#

This is a proposal published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on June 19, 2021 to change the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012. The main practical effects would be to let the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) handle some baggage lock-cutting, simplify airport worker ID cards, tighten rules around identity screening, and require a formal CATSA security program and training standards. The government estimates net savings of $20.96 million over 15 years.

What it does#

• Gives CATSA the explicit authority to cut locks or seals on checked baggage when necessary for security. CATSA must notify the person who checked the bag and keep a record of each forced opening.
• Changes the information printed on restricted area identity cards (RAICs):
  • removes a cardholder’s height and the printing of a single occupation (and the term “multi-occupation”);
  • extends the validity of multi-airport RAICs from 1 year to 5 years;
  • requires operators to destroy returned or deactivated RAICs and keep records.
• Aligns identity-screening rules with the Secure Air Travel Regulations:
  • requires valid government-issued photo ID (documents for fishing, hunting or boating are not acceptable);
  • removes gender and visible-age checks from identity verification (gender will no longer be used to verify identity; age checks by appearance are removed);
  • makes the Minister of Transport, rather than CATSA, officially responsible for when identity screening is required.
• Moves identity-verification functions into the part of the rules that cover screening, to make clear they fall under CATSA’s screening mandate.
• Requires a formal CATSA security program that includes a security policy, annual risk reviews, a strategic security plan, a security official, incident response and controls for sensitive information. (Most of these practices already exist at CATSA.)
• Sets minimum standards for screening officer training, certification and instructor qualifications, and requires records be available to the Minister.
• Requires Minister approval before testing, modifying or adding screening equipment or software, and a Minister‑approved process for disposing of such equipment.
• Updates airport listings to include ICAO location indicators and aligns names between related rules.
• Adds designated provisions so inspectors can impose administrative monetary penalties (maximums under the Aeronautics Act are $5,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations for contraventions of designated provisions).
• Note: this item was published as a proposed amendment and invited public representations for 30 days after publication.

Who's affected#

• CATSA — new explicit authorities and regulatory obligations, plus costs for training and equipment.
• Air carriers — lose the duty to cut locks/seals on checked baggage, which is expected to save them money and staff time.
• Operators of aerodromes (airport operators) — will change how RAICs are printed, destroyed and recorded; expected printing savings.
• Screening officers and their trainers — new training, certification and instructor standards.
• Travellers and airport workers — identity screening rules change; some travellers (including transgender and gender-diverse people) are expected to face fewer identity‑related frictions.
• Transport Canada / the Minister of Transport — increased oversight responsibilities.
• The Canada Gazette text estimates implementation costs of $780,299 in present value, split as $775,245 for CATSA and $5,054 for the Government; and estimated savings of $18.59 million to air carriers and $2.37 million to aerodromes (net $20.96 million).

Why it matters#

• Faster and smoother baggage screening: letting CATSA open locked bags removes delays caused by waiting for airline staff. That should reduce missed connections and baggage left behind.
• Lower recurring costs for airlines and airports: the government’s analysis predicts total savings of $20.96 million over 15 years from fewer lock-cutting duties and fewer RAIC reprints.
• Clearer, more consistent rules: aligning identity checks with newer rules and moving identity verification under screening reduces regulatory confusion and brings Canada closer to international standards set by ICAO.
• Better defined security practices: a formal CATSA security program and training standards put common practices into regulation. That can make oversight and accountability clearer.
• Inclusion and fewer identity hassles: removing gender and age-by-appearance checks reduces the chance of problematic interactions for transgender and gender-diverse travellers.
• This was a proposed change (not final law). Most changes would come into force when final regulations are published in Canada Gazette, Part II; the CATSA security program rules were set to come into force on January 1, 2023.