Mandate
CATSA is an agent Crown corporation, funded by parliamentary appropriations and accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Transport.
CATSA’s mandate is to prevent prohibited items from entering the civil air transportation system through the systematic application of four complementary security services:
- Pre-board screening (PBS): The screening of all passengers and their carry-on baggage and belongings prior to their entry to the secure area of an air terminal building.
- Hold baggage screening (HBS): The screening of all passengers’ checked (“hold”) baggage for prohibited items such as explosives, prior to being loaded onto an aircraft.
- Non-passenger screening (NPS): The screening of non-passengers such as flight personnel, ground crew and service providers, and their belongings (including vehicles and their contents) entering restricted areas at the highest risk airports.
- Restricted area identity card (RAIC): The management of the system that uses iris and fingerprint biometric identifiers to allow authorized non-passengers access to the restricted areas of airports. The final authority that determines access to the restricted areas of an airport is the airport authority.
CATSA also has an agreement with Transport Canada to conduct screening of cargo at smaller airports where screening capacity exists. This program was designed to screen limited amounts of cargo during off-peak periods and involves using existing resources, technology and procedures.
In 2018, the Transportation Modernization Act introduced authorities allowing CATSA to provide supplemental screening services, so long as the provision of these services remains cost neutral. CATSA may provide services on a cost-recovery basis to both designated and non-designated airports under the provisions of this legislation and upon the approval of the Minister of Transport.
Mission and Vision
CATSA’s mission is to protect the public by securing critical elements of the air transportation system.
CATSA’s vision is to be a recognized global leader in aviation security screening, achieved through:
Our service: We use innovative technology and an agile approach to maintain the highest level of security and provide the best possible passenger experience. We deliver value to Canadians with an optimal use of our resources.
Our people: We attract, cultivate and support a diverse and engaged workforce.
Our partnerships: We work collaboratively with our partners toward common goals and interests.
CATSA Annual Report
CATSA submitted the Annual Report 2022 to the Minister of Transport on June 30, 2022. This report is available on CATSA’s website.