Mr. Speaker, I understand changes to regulations and guidance can be disruptive for air operators and the communities they serve. I assure members that we do not take them lightly. Where appropriate, we revise regulations and guidance in consideration of the feedback we receive.
Transport Canada advisory circular number 301-001, issue number three, which deals with the issue being raised by my colleague, was due to come into force on December 31, 2021. However, this was delayed after further consultation with stakeholders and a new version is being developed.
Aviation safety is a key priority for Transport Canada. The objective of any amendments to Transport Canada's guidance and regulations would be to further improve the level of safety within our aviation system. Transport Canada is continually working to ensure that our aviation safety system is among the best in the world. This is not bureaucratic busywork as the member suggests.
Alignment with international best practices ensures we maintain a safe air transportation system. The value of this approach is borne out by the excellent aviation safety record we have in Canada. Overall, the number of air accidents have been decreasing over the last decade. In 2020, a total of 170 air accidents were reported to the Transportation Safety Board. This represents a 25% decrease from the previous year's total of 227 accidents and is 32% below the average of 251 reported in the prior 10 years from 2010 to 2019.
Transport Canada will continue to work with key stakeholders, including Nav Canada, on the implementation of the revised advisory circular and to keep Canadians safe.