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Program Activity Architecture 2011-2012

The Program Activity Architecture presents an inventory of all Transport Canada programs and activities. The programs and activities are depicted in their logical relationship to each other and to the Strategic Outcomes to which they contribute. The Program Activity Architecture is the initial document for the establishment of a management, resources, and results structure.

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Program Activity Architecture 2011-2012 Descriptions



1. Strategic Outcome - An Efficient Transportation System

To promote an efficient transportation system, Transport Canada:

  • Establishes marketplace frameworks to govern the economic behaviour of transportation sector organizations (e.g. rules for arbitrating disputes between shippers and rail carriers);
  • Provides leadership for Gateways and Trade Corridors strategies (e.g. Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative);
  • Provides stewardship for federal transportation assets and implements transportation infrastructure projects in partnership with provinces, territories, municipal governments and private sector entities;
  • Stimulates innovation (e.g. promotes state-of-the-art intelligent transportation systems).

1.1 Transportation Marketplace Frameworks

The Transportation Marketplace Framework Program encourages transportation efficiency by fostering a competitive and viable transportation sector. Program activities include:

  • Setting the regimes governing the economic behaviour of carriers in all modes of transportation;
  • Setting the rules of governance for all the transportation infrastructure providers falling under the authority of Parliament;
  • Monitoring the transportation system; and,
  • Representing the interests of Canada in international transportation fora and other international bodies.
1.1.1 Air Marketplace Framework

The Air Marketplace Framework program encourages transportation efficiency by fostering a competitive and viable air industry, including airlines, airports and nav Canada. It provides opportunities for Canadian airlines to grow and compete successfully in a more liberalized global environment and sets the governance regimes of national air infrastructure providers. Program activities include:

  • Establishing laws and regulations (e.g. Canada Transportation Act, Air Canada Public Participation Act) governing the economic behavior of air carriers and air infrastructure providers;
  • Encouraging competition and the development of new and expanded international air services to benefit travellers, shippers, and the tourism and business sectors by managing bilateral and multilateral air service relations;
  • Representing the interests of the Canadian aviation sector at the International Civil Aviation Organization.
1.1.2 Marine Marketplace Framework

The Marine Marketplace Framework program encourages transportation efficiency by fostering a competitive and viable Canadian marine industry. It is responsible for:

  • Developing policies, legislation, regulations such as the Canada Marine Act and its regulations and the Marine Liability Act;
  • Monitoring the Canadian marine industry and ports system;
  • Establishing the rules of governance for Canada port authorities;
  • Negotiating/adopting international conventions and agreements;
  • Establishing the economic regimes governing market entry to both the Canadian marine marketplace and Canadian international marine trade;
  • Representing the interest of Canada’s marine sector in international forums such as the International Maritime Organization; and,
  • Setting the marine transportation liability regime.
1.1.3 Surface Marketplace Framework

The Surface Marketplace Framework program encourages transportation efficiency by fostering healthy and competitive rail, motor carrier and bus industries in Canada. It:

  • Develops, oversees and implements policy frameworks, legislation, regulations and international agreements such as the Canada Transportation Act (Part 3-Railway Transportation);
  • Oversees freight rail services and relationships between shippers and railways and passenger rail operations;
  • Administers Statutory payments to CN Railway Company for certain pensioners and the grain hopper car operating agreements with CN and CP railways and the Grain Monitoring Program;
  • Establishes economic regimes governing access to the rail industry, the relationships between main lines, shippers, communities, passenger railways and short line railways, mergers and acquisitions involving surface modes, and conditions of entry into the commercial trucking and bus marketplace; and
  • Works with provinces, territories and North American partners to harmonize rules affecting surface transportation, such as NAFTA trucking standards.

1.2 Gateways and Corridors

Guided by the National Policy Framework for Strategic Gateways and Corridors, the Gateways and Corridors Program aims at supporting Canada's international trade and international supply chains by creating more efficient, reliable and seamless trade-related transport systems in Canada. The Program:

  • Sets strategies and frameworks for improving and integrating transportation networks in key regions;
  • Fosters partnerships between all levels of government and the private sector;
  • Supports and oversees projects that contribute to the increased capacity and efficiency of gateway and corridor infrastructure;
  • Develops and puts in place measures that remove impediments to the effective development of gateways and corridors; and
  • Promotes the use of gateways and corridors.
1.2.1 Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative

The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative program works to make Canada the best trade link between Asia and North America. This Program coordinates and manages an integrated set of investment and policy measures to:

  • Boost Canada’s commerce with the Asia-Pacific region;
  • Increase the share of North America bound container imports from Asia; and
  • Improve the reliability of the Gateway and Corridor.
1.2.2. Gateways and Border Crossings Fund

The Gateways and Border Crossings Fund program works to improve the flow of goods between Canada and the rest of the world by looking at policy measures and by enhancing infrastructure at key locations, such as major border crossings between Canada and the United States, including the new Windsor-Detroit crossing. It focuses on two key initiatives, namely:

  • The Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor;
  • The Atlantic Gateway.

1.3 Transportation Infrastructure

The Transportation Infrastructure Program looks after transportation infrastructure for Canada to improve efficiency and provide service. It:

  • Acts as the steward of certain commercial transportation assets operated by third parties on behalf of the federal government (airport authorities, port authorities, federal bridges, via Rail, Seaway, Marine Atlantic);
  • Provides funding for Canada’s strategic transportation infrastructure, targeted to support federal objectives;
  • Supports essential services in some remote communities;
  • Manages legacy commitments; and
  • Divests assets and contracts out operations, where needed.
1.3.1 Airport Infrastructure

In keeping with the National Airports Policy, the Airport Infrastructure program looks after airport services under federal purview for the benefit of Canadian travelers and businesses. It provides stewardship of airport authorities operates airports in certain communities and manages other airports’ infrastructure legacy commitments.

1.3.1.1 Airport Authority Stewardship

To protect the interests of the federal government as the landlord and to ensure compliance with the terms of their leases, the Airport Authority Stewardship program provides oversight and real property management services for airports whose operation has been transferred to local airport authorities. It also manages residual responsibilities with respect to the commercialized Air Navigation System (ANS).

Program activities include:

  • Making sure that airport authorities respect the terms of their leases;
  • Addressing lease management issues promptly;
  • Completing the environmental remediation of ANS lands; and
  • Managing ongoing liaison with nav Canada on property matters.
1.3.1.2 Airport Operations

In keeping with the National Airports Policy and for the benefit of the communities concerned, the Airport Operations program operates certain remote and regional/local airports. It also divests these airports to third parties, where applicable.

1.3.1.3 Small Aerodrome Support

The Small Aerodrome Support program manages air infrastructure legacy commitments that make airport services available to some communities. It does this by providing financial assistance to:

  • Twelve Labrador communities, through the provincial government, to maintain airports built under federal/provincial agreements; and
  • Some remote airports to cover a portion of operating deficits.
1.3.2 Marine Infrastructure

The Marine Infrastructure program operates from a commercially based policy framework, and supports Canadian trade by making marine assets available for commercial use. The program is delivered by methods such as providing stewardship of assets operated by third parties, providing direct public sector delivery, and managing contribution agreements. The Program:

  • Acts as steward of Canada Port Authorities and the land they manage;
  • Operates and divests Transport Canada's public ports;
  • Acts as steward of, and provides support to, remote, regional and constitutionally-mandated ferry services; and,
  • Acts as steward of, and provides support to, the Canadian portion of the Seaway.
1.3.2.1 Canada Port Authority Stewardship

The Canada Port Authority Stewardship program oversees the commercial operation of the 17 Canada Port Authorities (CPAs) that manage properties that are federally-owned or subject to federal law. Its goal is to foster a commercially based regime that supports Canadian trade within policy and legislative frameworks. The Program:

  • Administers the CPAs' compliance monitoring program;
  • Reviews and approves requests for property acquisitions/dispositions to make sure that they comply with relevant acts and policies and address environmental and Aboriginal concerns;
  • Oversees the appointment process that must comply with the Canada Marine Act; and
  • Reviews and approves requests for amending CPA activities, borrowing limits, terms of leases, or for establishing subsidiaries, and compliance with gross revenue charge requirements.
1.3.2.2 Seaway Stewardship and Support

The Seaway Stewardship and Support program oversees the good management, operation and maintenance of the Canadian portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (the Seaway Corporation), for the benefit of seaway users and the businesses and communities that depend on it. The Program:

  • Administers, negotiates and monitors the federal government’s twenty-year agreement with the Seaway Corporation;
  • Provides statutory payments;
  • Negotiates and monitors the five-year Business Plans that sets specific operating and asset renewal cost targets; and
  • Oversees the management of non-navigational assets including the transfer of ownership of surplus Seaway properties.
1.3.2.3 Ferry Services Stewardship and Support

The Ferry Services Stewardship and Support program serves Canadians, communities and businesses that depend on ferry services. It oversees federal government funding for, and involvement in, ferry services across the country. This includes:

  • Crown Corporation Marine Atlantic service that links Newfoundland to the rest of Canada as per constitutional mandate;
  • Three private sector inter-provincial services in Atlantic Canada – including one to the remote community of Isle-de-la-Madeleine; and
  • An annual grant to support services in British Columbia.
1.3.2.4 Port Operations

The Port Operations program makes marine facilities at TC-owned ports available to port users and the communities they serve. It manages and maintains TC-owned ports including setting and collecting national public port tariffs at those ports.

1.3.3 Surface Infrastructure

The Surface Infrastructure program supports Canada's trade and mobility by fostering efficient and economic access to surface transportation networks while furthering transportation safety. The program:

  • Develops, designs, negotiates, and manages federal funding for highways, borders, railways, transit, and federal bridges;
  • Works with provinces, territories and other partners to develop and monitor the performance of the highway and border crossing system, with a particular focus on the National Highway System;
  • Acts as steward for via Rail and federal bridges;
  • Manages regional rail service legacy commitments; and
  • Makes sure that rail service continues to certain remote communities.
1.3.3.1 Rail Passenger Stewardship and Support

The Rail Passenger Stewardship and Support program makes national, regional and remote rail passenger services available throughout Canada. It also:

  • Acts as steward over, and administers the annual subsidy to, via Rail Canada;
  • Administers contributions to private sector companies or First Nations bands operating regional and remote passenger rail services; and
  • Funding for capital projects that support rail services.
1.3.3.2 Federal Bridge Stewardship

Guided by the International Bridges and Tunnels Act and other legislation, the Federal Bridge Stewardship program addresses capacity issues of bridges and tunnels under Transport Canada's authority to safely meet current and future transportation needs and acts as the steward of TC-owned bridges. Specific program responsibilities include:

  • Implementing and managing federal contributions and initiatives that address the needs of bridges under federal authority;
  • Overseeing international bridge and tunnel operators’ compliance with relevant regulations;
  • Establishing and implementing the laws and regulations governing international bridge operators;
  • Providing stewardship oversight of the Confederation Bridge as per a constitutional obligation; and
  • Making statutory payments to CN Railway Company for the roadway portion of the Victoria Bridge in Montreal.
1.3.3.3 Highway and Border Infrastructure Support

The Highway and Border Infrastructure Support program benefits road and rail users and communities through improved highways, borders and shortline rail, which reduces traffic congestion, accidents and vehicle operating costs. It:

  • Manages federal contributions for improvements to the National Highway System and Canada-United States border infrastructure;
  • Develops policy frameworks;
  • Tracks National Highway System performance;
  • Manages federal contributions for shortline railways; and,
  • Coordinates common actions/activities with provinces, territories and other stakeholder groups to promote greater efficiency of the highway and border crossing system.
  • Contribution instruments include the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program, the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, the Border Infrastructure Fund, the Building Canada Fund, the Outaouais Road Agreement, etc.
1.3.3.4 Transit System Support

The Transit System Support program provides national leadership for more efficient and sustainable urban transportation for Canadians and their communities. It develops policies that support federal actions and investments in Canada’s large cities, to promote greater transit use and mobility. The program also:

  • Designs, negotiates, and manages federal contribution arrangements for transit system initiatives, including commuter rail;
  • Coordinates common actions/activities with the provinces, territories and stakeholder groups to promote greater transit use;
  • Develops appropriate performance indicators and measurement of federal transit infrastructure investments’ performance; and
  • Assesses Building Canada Plan transit projects.

1.4 Transportation Innovation

The Transportation Technology and Innovation program helps to make the Canadian Transportation System more competitive by identifying opportunities, entering into research partnerships and developing and implementing forward-looking solutions to challenges facing the Canadian transportation system. The program:

  • Sets policy and strategic direction for research and development (R&D);
  • Develops, designs, negotiates, and manages research programs for breakthrough technologies, including Intelligent Transportation System;
  • Advances the development and dissemination of scientific knowledge and the application of technology;
  • Partners and collaborates with other federal departments, provinces and territories, the academic community and many other national and international stakeholders here and abroad; and
  • Supports skills development for a highly qualified transportation workforce.

2. Strategic Outcome - A Clean Transportation System

To promote a clean transportation system, Transport Canada:

  • advances the federal government’s clean air agenda in the transportation sector and complements other federal programs designed to reduce air emissions for the health of Canadians;
  • helps to protect the marine environment by reducing the pollution of water from transportation sources;
  • fulfills Transport Canada’s responsibilities in working towards a cleaner and healthier environment with regard to its own operations.

2.1 Clean Air from Transportation

Transport Canada’s Clean Air from Transportation Program Activity advances the federal government’s clean air agenda in the transportation sector and complements other federal programs designed to reduce air emissions for the health of Canadians and the environment for generations to come. The program:

  • Regulates air emissions from the transportation sector;
  • Oversees TC clean air program obligations and commitments;
  • Demonstrates and promotes clean transportation technologies;
  • Promotes environmentally responsible best practices and behaviours; and
  • Builds stakeholder knowledge and capacity to reduce air emissions.
2.1.1 Clean Air Regulatory Framework and Oversight

Deriving its authority from the Railway Safety Act, the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, the Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption Standards Act and the Aeronautics Act, Transport Canada’s Clean Air Regulatory Framework and Oversight program contributes to reducing the air emissions from transportation by creating and implementing regulatory regimes. The program:

  • Sets the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the transportation sector’s air emissions;
  • Oversees transportation firms’ compliance with their regulatory obligations;
  • Represents Canada in discussions to set international standards for air emissions in the transportation sector; and
  • Contributes to developing and implementing instruments to reduce air emissions from Canada's transportation sector.
2.1.2 Clean Freight Transportation

The Clean Freight Transportation program advances the federal government’s clean air agenda in the freight transportation sector by:

  • Promoting and demonstrating ways to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants;
  • Creating partnerships; and
  • Designing, negotiating and managing initiatives for emission reduction for freight transportation.
  • Specific initiatives: the National Harmonization Initiative for the Trucking Industry, the Freight Technology Demonstration Fund, the Freight Technology Incentives Program, the ecoFreight Partnerships, and Marine Shore Power.
2.1.3 Clean Urban Transportation

The Clean Urban Transportation program advances the federal government’s clean air agenda in the urban transportation sector by:

  • Promoting and demonstrating ways to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants from urban transportation;
  • Creating partnerships; and
  • Designing, negotiating and managing initiatives for emission reduction for the urban transportation sector.
  • Specific initiatives: ecomobility program, Urban Transportation Showcase program, and Moving on Sustainable Transportation.
2.1.4 Clean Vehicle

The Clean Vehicle Program advances the federal government’s clean air agenda for vehicles by:

  • Promoting, testing and demonstrating advanced vehicle technologies to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants from motor vehicles;
  • Creating partnerships; and
  • Designing, negotiating and managing initiatives for emission reduction for vehicles.
  • Specific initiatives: ecotechnology for Vehicles Program, the ecoauto Rebate Program and the Fuel Consumption Program.

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

Guided by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act, the Marine Liability Act and international conventions, the Clean Water from Transportation Program Activity helps to protect the marine environment and the health of Canadians by reducing the pollution of water from transportation sources. The program:

  • Regulates and monitors the impact of discharges from marine vessels into the marine environment;
  • Regulates ballast water; and
  • Contributes to setting domestic and international rules that govern limits to liability of marine pollution incidents.

2.3 Environmental Stewardship of Transportation

The Environmental Stewardship Program Activity fulfills Transport Canada's responsibilities in working towards a cleaner and healthier environment for Canadians, with regard to its own operations. These responsibilities include:

  • Managing contaminated sites; and
  • Fulfilling environmental responsibilities at TC owned or operated ports and airports
  • The program:
  • Develops and implements programs for TC activities that further environmental objectives and promote sustainable transportation;
  • Provides functional support for environmental assessments, including for major resource projects; and
  • Promotes compliance with environmental laws, federal government policies and best practices in Transport Canada’s stewardship activities.

3. Strategic Outcome - A Safe Transportation System

To promote a safe transportation system, Transport Canada:

  • Develops transportation safety regulations and oversees their implementation (e.g., safety at railway crossings);
  • Manages programs to support safety-related investments at small airports, protect navigable waterways, certify and license aircraft, vessels and road vehicles (e.g., certification of child car seats); and
  • Provides air transport services to support aviation safety oversight work and federal and municipal clients (e.g., maintenance and operation of Coast Guard helicopters).

3.1 Aviation Safety

The Aviation Safety Program Activity develops, administers and oversees the policies, regulations and standards necessary for the safe conduct of civil aviation within Canada's borders in a manner harmonized with the international aviation community.

3.1.1 Aviation Safety Regulatory Framework

The Aviation Safety Regulatory Framework Program develops and balances the use of policies, guidelines, regulations, standards and education - based on risk, to promote a safe and harmonized aviation safety framework for:

  • Canadians and air travellers in Canada; and
  • Canada's aviation industry.
3.1.2 Aviation Safety Oversight

The Aviation Safety Oversight Program, based on risk, supports compliance of the aviation industry with the regulatory framework through services, assessments and validations, inspections, audits and, when necessary, enforcement.

3.1.2.1 Service to the Aviation Industry

Guided by the standards and regulatory requirements in the Canadian Aviation Regulations, the Service to the Aviation Industry Program:

  • licenses personnel;
  • provides operating certificates to organizations; and
  • certifies aeronautical products.
3.1.2.2 Surveillance of the aviation system

The Surveillance of the Aviation System Program, based on risk, monitors aviation industry compliance of the regulatory framework through assessments and validations, inspections, audits - and, when necessary, enforcement.

3.1.3 Airports Capital Assistance

In keeping with the National Airports Policy, the Airports Capital Assistance Program helps Canada maintain airport safety at non-federally owned airports. It provides funding for airside safety-related capital projects, which may also extend to non-airside asset protection and operating cost reduction if funds allow. It targets airports with a demonstrated financial need to fund the capital expenditures necessary to maintain safety.

3.1.4 Aircraft Services

The Aircraft Services Program provides aircraft and aircraft maintenance and training services to Transport Canada and other federal government departments and agencies, on a cost-recovery basis.

3.2 Marine Safety

The Marine Safety Program Activity protects the life and health of Canadians by providing a safe and efficient marine transportation system. This program derives its authority from a number of Acts — the Canada Shipping Act 2001, the Navigable Waters Protection Act, the Safe Containers Act, the Pilotage Act, the Coasting Trade Act and the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act — to develop and enforce a marine safety regulatory framework for the domestic and foreign vessels, as well pleasure craft; enforce international conventions signed by Canada; and protect the public right to navigation on Canada's waterways.

3.2.1 Marine Safety Regulatory Framework

The Marine Safety Regulatory Framework program provides a balance of tools - policies, guidelines, regulations and standards – based on performance and risk, to support the safety of seafarers, commercial vessels and pleasure crafts; harmonize Canada’s marine safety framework with other jurisdictions; and support pilotage services in Canada.

3.2.2 Marine Safety Oversight

The Marine Safety Oversight Program monitors commercial vessel industry and pleasure craft compliance with the marine safety regulatory framework. This program:

  • Issues certificates and other official documents to Canadian seafarers (officers and crews on Canadian vessels);
  • Approves seafarer training;
  • Registers and licenses commercial vessels and pleasure crafts;
  • Issues safety certificates and approvals for vessels, equipment and design;
  • Inspects commercial vessels entering Canadian waters;
  • Responds to Marine Occupational Safety and Health issues;
  • Conducts surveillance and investigations; and
  • Promotes safe practices.
3.2.3 Navigable Waters Protection

The Navigable Waters Protection Program protects the public right of safe navigation in Canada’s waters by removing obstructions to navigation; approving any works built or placed in, on, over, under, through or across navigable water before construction; regulating lights or markers required for safe navigation during and/or on completion of certain works; regulating the placement of private buoys as per the Private Buoy Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act 2001; and, acting as Receiver of Wreck as per the Canada Shipping Act 2001, Part 7.

3.2.4 Divestiture of Marine Training Assets

The Divestiture of Marine Training Assets Program provides cost-shared funding for the upgrade or replacement of marine training simulators and divests TC-owned Marine Emergency Duties (MED) assets for continued certification of Canadian seafarers.

3.3 Rail Safety

Under the authority of the Railway Safety Act, the Rail Safety Program Activity develops, implements and promotes safety policy, regulations, standards and research. The program provides oversight of the rail industry and promotes public safety at crossings and identifies the risks of trespassing. It also provides funds to improve safety at grade crossings.

3.3.1 Rail Safety Regulatory framework

The Rail Safety Regulatory Framework Program, under the Railway Safety Act, develops and balances the use of various tools such as policies, guidelines, regulations, standards, and rules, based on risk, to promote a safe and harmonized rail safety regime for the rail industry and the public, at large, while ensuring viability of the rail sector.

3.3.2 Rail Safety Oversight

The Rail Safety Oversight Program promotes compliance with the regulatory framework through inspections, audits, monitoring, and enforcement, when necessary, of the rail industry.

3.3.3 Rail Safety Outreach

The Rail Safety Outreach Program promotes public awareness and education regarding safety near crossings and the risks of trespassing in order to prevent deaths and injuries. It also promotes safety with the rail industry by sharing best practices, research and technology. It provides funding for safety improvements at grade crossings.

3.4 Road Safety

Guided by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Motor Vehicle Transport Act, the Road Safety Program Activity develops standards and regulations, provides oversight and engages in public outreach in order to reduce the deaths, injuries and social costs caused by motor vehicle use; and improve public confidence in the safety of Canada’s road transportation system.

3.4.1 Motor Vehicle Safety Regulatory Framework

In support of vehicle safety, the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulatory Framework program develops policies, regulations and standards that govern the design, construction, functioning or marking of vehicles and equipment; and conducts research (crashworthiness, biomechanics, crash avoidance and human factors) to determine the need for and effectiveness of regulations and standards; and, contribute to the assessment and development of technological solutions to improve vehicle safety.

3.4.2 Motor Vehicle Safety Oversight

Guided by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the Motor Vehicle Safety Oversight program monitors motor vehicle and equipment manufacturers’ compliance with Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations and the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The program verifies that regulated vehicles and vehicle parts, child restraints, and tires made in, or imported into Canada, meet safety performance requirements and equipment installation standards; and, monitors vehicle manufacturers to make sure they fulfill their obligations in a responsible manner.

3.4.3 Motor Carrier Safety

Guided by the Motor Vehicle Transport Act, the Motor Carrier Safety program promotes motor carrier (truck and bus) safety through a safety performance regime based on the National Safety Code (performance standards for commercial vehicle operations); by providing a national framework for provinces and territories to administer motor carrier safety regulations; by managing a contribution program for provinces and territories towards consistent implementation of the National Safety Code; and, by promoting consistent regulation of motor carriers across Canada.

3.4.4 Road Safety Outreach

The Road Safety Outreach program promotes road-user and road infrastructure safety for the increased safety of the travelling public. The program and its partners (e.g. provinces/territories, police, universities, NGOs) identify, develop and monitor safety interventions and performance measures; promulgate best practices; and, provide road safety knowledge to the public.

3.5 Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Required by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Program Activity, based on risk, develops safety standards and regulations, provides oversight and gives expert advice (e.g. Canadian Transport Emergency Centre (CANUTEC)) on dangerous goods incidents to promote public safety in the transportation of dangerous goods by all modes of transport in Canada; identify threats to public safety and enforce the Act and its regulations; guide emergency response and limit the impact of incidents involving the transportation of dangerous goods; and develop policy and conduct research to enhance safety.

3.5.1 Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulatory Framework

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulatory Framework Program promotes public safety in the transportation of dangerous goods. The program develops and balances policies, procedures, guidelines, permits for equivalent level of safety, rules and standards, based on risk, to promote public safety in handling, offering for transport, transporting and importing of dangerous goods; harmonizes or aligns, as appropriate, its regulations with international, United Nations or United States dangerous goods programs; leads in the development of Canadian regulations that are adopted by all provinces and territories; and, takes the lead in developing national and international standards for the manufacture, selection and use of dangerous goods means of containment.

3.5.2 Transportation of Dangerous Goods Oversight

Required by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Oversight Program monitors stakeholders’ compliance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 and Regulations through services, assessments, inspection, investigation, enforcement, charge, care, management, control, examination, or review; monitoring compliance of modal shippers, consignors and importers, Emergency Response Assistance Plan, means of containment standards, and facility assessments; and training of all federal, provincial and territorial inspectors.

3.5.3 Emergency Response for Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Required by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, the TDG’s Emergency Response Program protects the safety of human life and health and of property and the environment by providing immediate 24-hour technical information, safety precautions and action measures to first responders through CANUTEC following an incident involving dangerous goods; attending dangerous goods incidents and providing onsite response direction by Transportation Dangerous Good’s Remedial Measure Specialist; producing the Emergency Response Guide book as a tool for initial response during the first 15 minutes at the scene of an accident involving dangerous goods; and conducting research on emergency response to releases of chemicals.

4. Strategic Outcome - A Secure Transportation System

To promote a secure transportation system, Transport Canada:

  • Develops policies and programs that respond to emerging security risks and keep Canada competitive (e.g. funding of security equipment at ports);
  • Develops transportation security regulations and oversees their implementation by industry (e.g., standards for screening of passengers at airports); and
  • Works with international and national partners to advance a shared and effective transportation security agenda (e.g. standards for security plans at ports).

4.1 Aviation Security

The Aviation Security Program Activity develops, administers and oversees policies, programs, regulations and standards necessary for a secure Canadian aviation system in a manner harmonized with the international aviation community.

4.1.1 Aviation Security Regulatory Framework

The Aviation Security Regulatory Framework Program develops and balances the use of various tools - policies, guidelines, regulations, standards and measures - to promote a secure and harmonized Canadian aviation security regime.

4.1.2 Aviation Security Oversight

The Aviation Security Oversight Program supports compliance with the security framework through inspections, audits, monitoring, surveillance, enforcement and education, when necessary, of the aviation industry.

4.1.3 Airport Policing Assistance

The Airport Policing Assistance Program provides funding to airports to help provide security-related policing services.

4.1.4 Air Cargo Security Major Crown Project

The Air Cargo Security Major Crown Project supports the National Security policy by identifying strategies to enhance the security of air cargo.

4.2 Marine Security

The Marine Security Program Activity, with partners, enforces the Marine Transportation Security Act to protect Canada and Canadians in a way that respects Canadian values. It safeguards the integrity and security; and preserves the efficiency of Canada's Marine Transportation System against unlawful interference, terrorist attacks or from being used as a means to attack our allies.

4.2.1 Marine Security Coordination and Collaboration

The Marine Security Coordination and Collaboration activity co-ordinates and leads on interdepartmental marine security policy under the Marine Security Enhanced Policy Coordination, the Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group (IMSWG) and the Marine Security Operations Centres. It also:

  • Identifies gaps in marine security;
  • Assesses mitigating actions such as new policies and regulations, enforcement and improved contribution initiatives;
  • Coordinates IMSWG marine security initiatives, funded through the Marine Security Coordination Fund, with other federal government departments;
  • Monitors marine security developments in Canada and abroad, and identifies possible impacts on Canada and the department;
  • Participates in international fora; and
  • Facilitates security clearances under the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program.
4.2.2 Marine Security Oversight and Enforcement

The Marine Security Oversight and Enforcement activity supports compliance with the security framework through activities including inspections, monitoring, surveillance, enforcement and awareness when necessary, of the marine industry.

4.2.3 Marine Security Regulatory and Policy Framework

The Marine Security Regulatory and Policy Framework activity develops and balances the use of various tools - policies, guidelines, regulations, legislation, standards and measures to support the Minister's role as defined under the National Security Policy. The Program's components and their activities promote a secure and harmonized Canadian marine security regime, consistent with the International Maritime Organization requirements.

4.3 Surface and Intermodal Security

Guided by the Railway Safety Act, the International Bridges and Tunnels Act, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and the federal government's transportation security mandate, the Surface and Intermodal Security Program Activity enhances the security of surface and intermodal transportation – such as rail and urban transit and international bridges and tunnels. Working with partners to protect Canada and Canadians in a way that respects Canadian values and preserves the efficiency of the transportation system, the program provides federal leadership; and develops and enforces regulatory and voluntary frameworks (regulations, codes of practice, memoranda of understanding).

5.1 Internal Services - In Support of All Four Strategic Outcomes

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Material Services; Acquisition Services; and Travel and Other Administrative Services.

Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

5.1.1 Governance and Management Support

5.1.1.1 Management and Oversight Services

Management and Oversight Services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction and governance, program planning and design; representing values and ethics; and allocating resources and taking investment decisions; as well as those activities related to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and/or plans.

Service Groupings for Management and Oversight Services include: Strategic Policy and Planning and Government Relations (incl. Federal / Provincial / Territorial / International); Executive Services; Corporate Policy, Standards, Guidelines; Investment Planning; Project Management; Risk Management; Performance and Reporting; Internal Audit; Evaluation.

5.1.1.2 Communications Services

Communications Services involve activities undertaken to ensure that Government of Canada communications are effectively managed, well coordinated and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. The communications management function ensures that the public – internal or external – receives government information, and that the views and concerns of the public are taken into account in the planning, management and evaluation of policies, programs, services and initiatives.

Service Groupings for Communications Services include: Public Opinion Research; Corporate Identity; Consultations; Media Relations; Advertising, Fairs, Exhibits; In-Person Service, Telephone, Facsimile, Mail, Internet; Translation; Publications.

5.1.1.3 Legal Services

Legal Services involve activities undertaken to enable government departments and agencies to pursue policy, program and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework. Services include the provision of: policy and program advice, direction in the development and drafting of the legal content of bills, regulations, and guidelines; assistance in the identification, mitigation and management of legal risks; legal support in ensuring compliance and enforcement of standards, regulations and guidelines; and representing the Crown’s interests in litigation.

Service Groupings for Legal Services include: Legal Advice; Preparation of Legal Documents; Litigation Services; Legislative Drafting; Legal Oversight.

5.1.2 Resource Management Services

5.1.2.1 Human Resources Management Services

Human Resources Management Services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, allocating resources among services and processes, as well as activities relating to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and/or plans.

Service Groupings for Human Resources Management Services include: HR Planning, Work, Organization Design and Reporting; Job and Position Management; Employee Acquisition and Orientation; Total Compensation; Employee Performance, Learning, Development and Recognition; Permanent and Temporary Separations; Workplace Management.

5.1.2.2 Financial Management Services

Financial Management Services involve activities undertaken to ensure the prudent use of public resources, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, analysis, decision support and advice, and financial systems.

Service Groupings for Financial Management Services include: Financial Planning & Budgeting; Accounting Management; Expenditure Control; Payments Service; Collections and Receivables Service; Asset and Liability Management Service.

5.1.2.3 Information Management Services

Information Management Services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision making; facilitate accountability, transparency, and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations. Information management is the discipline that directs and supports effective and efficient management of information in an organization, from planning and systems development to disposal or long-term preservation.

Service Groupings for Information Management Services include: Enterprise Information Architecture Services; Data Management Services; Records and Document Management Services; Library Services; Content Management Services; Archival Services; Business Intelligence and Decision Support Services; Access to Information and Privacy Services.

5.1.2.4 Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective use of information technology to support government priorities and program delivery, to increase productivity, and to enhance services to the public. The management of information technology includes planning, building (or procuring), operating and measuring performance.

Service Groupings for Information Technology Services include: Distributed Computing; Application/Database Development & Maintenance; Production and Operations Computing; Telecommunications Network – (Data and Voice); IT Security.

5.1.3 Asset Management Services

5.1.3.1 Real Property Management Services

Real Property Services involve activities undertaken to ensure real property is managed in a sustainable and financially responsible manner, throughout its life cycle, to support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs. Real property is defined as any right, interest or benefit in land, which includes mines, minerals and improvements on, above or below the surface of the land. Service Groupings for Real Property Services include: Acquisition; Operations and Management; Disposal.

5.1.3.2 Materiel Management Services

Materiel Services involve activities undertaken to ensure that materiel can be managed by departments in a sustainable and financially responsible manner that supports the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs. Materiel is defined as all movable assets, excluding money and records, acquired by Her Majesty in right of Canada. Materiel management entails all activities necessary to acquire, hold, use and dispose of materiel, including the notion of achieving the greatest possible efficiency throughout the life cycle of materiel assets. Service Groupings for Materiel Services include: Acquisition; Operations and Management; Disposal.

5.1.3.3 Acquisition Services

Acquisition Services involve activities undertaken to acquire a good or service to fulfill a properly completed request (including a complete and accurate definition of requirements and certification that funds are available) until entering into or amending a contract. Service Groupings for Acquisition Services include: Goods Acquisitions; Services Acquisitions; Construction Acquisitions; Other Acquisitions (acquisitions that fall outside the definitions of goods or services).

Date modified:
2012-02-09