Evidence of meeting #47 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was transport.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Kevin McGarr  President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
Richard Balnis  Senior Officer, Research, Canadian Union of Public Employees

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

John McCallum Liberal Markham—Unionville, ON

Another concern we had is the allowing of handcuffs and knives or blades onto planes, in conjunction with cutting back on the air marshals, which was reported in the press a while ago. Can you comment on the air marshal program? Probably not.

11:15 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

CATSA has no involvement with the air marshal program. The RCMP manage the program.

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

John McCallum Liberal Markham—Unionville, ON

Thank you very much.

11:15 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed

Mr. Guimond.

February 15th, 2011 / 11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Mr. McGarr, how long have you held your position?

11:15 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

As president?

11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

Are you the president and chief executive officer?

11:15 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

How long have you held the position of president and chief executive officer?

11:15 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

For just over two years.

11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

For just over two years. Who did you take over from?

11:15 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

Mr. Jacques Duchesneau.

11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

How long was Mr. Duchesneau in that position?

11:15 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

I believe he held that position for just over five years

11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

Were the reasons for his departure made public?

11:15 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

There were news releases giving the reasons for his departure at the time. Yes.

11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

News releases provide the true reasons for his departure. Because it is written in a news release, is true?

11:15 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

In our case I think so.

11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

Last summer, at the end of June or beginning of July, two women were filmed at the Montreal Airport. I do not call it the Trudeau Airport because I am a member of the Bloc. I still call it the Dorval Airport. At Dorval Airport, apparently two women did not take their veils off in front of two Air Canada employees, before boarding the plane.

What happened with that? What was the final outcome? Was your administration concerned?

11:20 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

The incident you are referring to does not at all involve CATSA. This is an incident that occurred outside our jurisdiction.

11:20 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

So it falls under the air carrier's jurisdiction?

11:20 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

And Transport Canada.

11:20 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

When you board a plane—

11:20 a.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Kevin McGarr

That is my understanding.

11:20 a.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC

Just before you board a plane, when you show your documents for the last time before walking onto the ramp that leads to the plane, there are no Transport Canada officials.