Evidence of meeting #55 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 39th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was sms.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
So that means all the carriers that are not usually scheduled, such as the small air taxis that are transporting fare-paying people, cannot be designated.
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
That's correct.
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
So it's a big difference from what....
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
I was just going to say that I think Mr. Bélanger or Mr. Volpe were concerned with that, and I think the department's addressed that as well.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
I'm just getting caught up here, Mr. Chairman. I was a few minutes late, I apologize.
Mario Laframboise Bloc Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC
Mr. Reinhardt, what do you really want to make them do? Please give me some specific examples.
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
I can give more concrete examples than those we talked about during our discussion on ultra-light airplanes. I spoke about this briefly last week, I believe. There are companies out west, in the Prairies, that regularly spray farmers' fields during the seeding period. These are specialized, commercial pilots who are knowledgeable about that kind of operation. Their associations have a very broad expertise in that area.
Under those circumstances, we think it would probably make more sense to let those people monitor their operations, even though the minister can intervene at any moment. That way, we could make more efficient use of our inspectors, for example, by carrying out more inspections at major 705 airlines, such as WestJet and Air Canada.
Bloc
Mario Laframboise Bloc Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC
But will the inspectors still be able to make on-site visits at those companies?
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
Of course.
Bloc
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
The minister will still be able to intervene. At present, he is responsible for monitoring safety issues within the Canadian Business Aviation Association. As I told you, aside from SMS regulations, basic regulations dealing with licensing, certification aircraft, maintenance and air worthiness still apply. The associations and their members must respect those requirements. The minister can enforce the law at any time.
Bloc
Mario Laframboise Bloc Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC
I am concerned when you say that inspectors could do other things. We are including provisions so as to maintain an inspection system throughout all airline services. Will you be able to carry out spot checks?
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
Yes.
Bloc
Mario Laframboise Bloc Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC
Will you still be able to keep an eye on the industry, even though an additional level has been added, i.e., that an association will be responsible for increasing security with all its members?
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
Yes, indeed.
Bloc
Mario Laframboise Bloc Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC
I can go along with your recommendations. My only problem is that—and this is why I insisted on the three years—I do not want you to set that aside. Earlier, your first reaction was to say that your inspectors will do other things.
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
No.
Bloc
Mario Laframboise Bloc Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC
I want your inspectors to continue to carry out monitoring work, in addition to having the appropriate association of operations conducting some additional security work with its members. I have no qualms with that.
Director, Regulatory Services, Civil Aviation, Department of Transport
Besides, as you know, there is also the issue of risk indicators, that is to say that we will conduct studies to determine risk levels. That is a key component.
With regard to investigations, inspections and the like, as you know, we still have to carry out risk management. When risks are lower, there is no need to have as many people as often, although they can intervene all the same. I will be very honest with you: this has always been the case in the past, even before implementation of safety management systems. This all revolves around risk indicators. We have to find out where we get the best return on our investment.
