Aviation Security Amendments — CATSA Powers

Summary#

These are final changes to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012, published in the Canada Gazette on May 11, 2022 (with some parts coming into force on January 1, 2023). They give the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) new powers and duties (for example, to open locked checked baggage), change what goes on airport worker ID cards, and set formal training and security-program rules for CATSA and screening staff.

What it does#

• Gives CATSA the legal authority to force-open locked or sealed checked baggage for screening. When force is used, the screening authority must notify the person who checked the bag and keep a written record (kept for 180 days).
• Sets minimum qualifications, training, evaluation and certification rules for screening officers, and requires screening authorities to keep training/certification records (kept for 90 days after employment ends). Instructors must also meet specific qualifications.
• Requires CATSA to have a formal written security program covering risk assessments, a strategic security plan, incident response, a security official contact, annual reviews, and document retention (some documents kept 5 years, others 2 years). Initial and major updates to the security risk assessment must be submitted to the Minister for approval and full reviews are required at least every 5 years.
• Changes identity-screening rules to align with the Secure Air Travel Regulations:
  • Acceptable ID must be valid government-issued photo ID (one piece) or two pieces of government ID (one with photo and birthdate), or a restricted area identity card (RAIC).
  • Documents issued for fishing, hunting or boating are not acceptable.
  • Removes gender as a factor in identity checks and removes the obligation to deny entry solely because a person does not appear to be the gender on the ID. Screening officers still check whether someone appears to be 18 years or older.
  • The Minister of Transport (rather than CATSA) decides when identity screening must be carried out, and the Minister must approve processes for testing or changing screening equipment and software.
• Changes to restricted area identity cards (RAICs):
  • Removes non-security information from the card (no height, and occupation removed for single-occupation cards).
  • Extends multi-airport RAIC validity from 1 year to 5 years.
  • Requires returned/deactivated RAICs to be destroyed and records of destroyed cards to be kept.
• Updates airport lists and adds ICAO location indicators for designated aerodromes.
• Adds or updates a list of designated regulatory provisions enforceable by administrative monetary penalties; maximum penalties are $5,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations for breaches of those provisions.

Who's affected#

• CATSA — new authority (opening locked baggage), new costs for training and equipment, and formal security-program obligations.
• Screening contractors and screening officers — must meet the new qualification, training, evaluation and certification requirements.
• Air carriers — will no longer be required to cut locks/seals on checked bags; expected reduction in time and labour costs.
• Operators of aerodromes (airport operators) — will print fewer RAICs, must destroy returned cards and keep records, and will be affected by updated lists of designated aerodromes.
• Travellers — especially those who check bags and airport workers who hold RAICs. The identity-screening change is likely relevant to transgender, non-binary and Two-Spirit travellers because gender is removed from identity verification rules.
• Transport Canada / Minister of Transport — increased oversight role (approving equipment changes, reviewing CATSA security plans and risk assessments).
• If it’s unclear who will notice specific technical changes, the regulations themselves (and CATSA guidance) are the authoritative source.

Why it matters#

• Faster baggage handling: letting CATSA open locked checked bags should reduce waiting for airline staff, lower the chance a checked bag is left behind, and save time. The government estimates air carriers will save $18.13 million and aerodrome operators $2.26 million (a total present-value saving of $20.39 million) between 2022 and 2036.
• Security and consistency: the new formal security-program rules and training standards align Canada with international standards (ICAO) and make CATSA’s internal security steps clearer and inspectable by the Minister.
• Fairer identity checks: removing gender from identity verification reduces a source of friction for gender-diverse travellers while keeping name/photo checks and an age check for those appearing to be under 18.
• Costs and timelines: the rules add one-time and ongoing costs mainly to CATSA — estimated total incremental costs of $753,166 to CATSA and $5,435 to the Government (total $758,602) over the analytical period. Most of the amendments came into force on publication (May 11, 2022), with the security-program parts effective January 1, 2023.