The Road and Motor Vehicle Traffic Safety Branch of Transport Canada reviews the effectiveness of present safety measures, recommends new ways of promoting the use of existing safety measures and finds additional ways to cut down on accidents.
"More with less," "streamlining," "cost recovery," "fiscal restraint." These were some of the catch phrases used to describe the economic realities of this decade— realities that were beginning to reshape the policies and activities of Transport Canada and other government departments.
Transport Canada has been a leader in getting the most from its resources: improved management accountability and performance; greater efficiency; the elimination of non-essential services and subsidies; and reduced direct federal involvement in certain aspects of transportation.
By the mid-'80s, however, it was clear that major policy changes were necessary and a new approach to the government's regulatory role was essential. Proposals were put forward to open up the transport system to competitive market forces, reduce the burden of regulation, and reduce costs to the taxpayer. These "Freedom to Move" proposals would form the basis for the National Transportation Act of 1987.
Environment
Pollution had become a major concern and the department made giant strides towards protecting people and the environment from the effects of transportation-related pollution.
A National Marine Emergency Plan was prepared and contingency plans for pollution incidents were negotiated with other countries and other federal departments. The Marine Administration also developed pollution countermeasures equipment such as slicklickers, heavy oil skimmers and oil harvesters and positioned them at strategic points.
The Transport of Dangerous Goods Act and accompanying regulations were passed, and the department's information and emergency centre, CANUTEC, was set up.
More stringent emission standards for light-duty automobiles and trucks were developed.
Energy conservation
The energy crisis, which was also in full swing at this time, was another major focus of departmental activity.
In 1981, the department established an energy planning directorate to supply research and development support for the National Energy Program, and worked with the provinces to develop contingency plans for energy shortages.
A voluntary fuel economy program was undertaken, with industry cooperation, to reduce the fuel consumption of Canadian automobiles.
Energy conservation programs were set up at airports across the country and new ship designs and navigational aids equipment developed by the Canadian Coast Guard reflected energy efficiency improvements.
Safety and Security
The rising incidence of international terrorism had heightened concern for the safety and security of the national transportation system in general and airports in particular.
The first Canadian airport security system (CASS), which included card access and closed circuit television, was installed at Dorval in 1981. By 1986 the system was in operation at a dozen major airports, along with baggage X-ray machines and explosive vapour detection devices.
Much departmental activity during these years also was directed at other programs to reduce accident and fatality rates in all modes of transportation.
Social change
What most clearly defined this decade in Transport Canada's history, however, was the development of policies and programs to address human issues, both within the department and in the national transportation system.
The department published its first policy on official languages in 1978 and prepared a departmental plan based on the policy, which was the first to be submitted to Cabinet by a federal department. All departmental training programs were offered in both official languages by 1982, and measures were taken to begin ensuring services to the travelling public in the official language of choice.
Equal opportunities programs for the recruitment and development of women, francophones, persons with disabilities and indigenous people were set up in the late '70s and began to make a difference. Representation in all groups improved slowly but surely as coordinators were appointed, advisory committees set up and funds allocated to achieve program objectives.
Access to transportation services for persons with disabilities became a major issue during this period, spurred in part by the increased awareness of need resulting from the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981. Transport Canada drafted a federal policy on transportation of disabled persons and worked closely with the provinces, municipalities, industry and special interest groups to achieve results. By 1986, trains, buses, ferries, aircraft and airports were more accessible.
Within the department, concern for the well-being of employees was evidenced by improved training opportunities, a revamped performance appraisal system, the establishment of an employee counselling service, and an Employment Continuity Program set up in 1986 to help employees affected by the government's deficit reduction program.
A healthier workplace was a final issue that arose towards the end of this decade. The knell began to sound for Transport Canada smokers when the department issued guidelines to "minimize the effects of tobacco smoke in the workplace" in 1985.