Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

CATSA is the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. Our official mission is to protect Canadians by making sure critical elements of the air transportation system are secure. We carry out this mission as assigned by the Government of Canada.

What We do
CATSA runs a number of programs to help protect Canadians. However, our primary responsibility is passenger screening at airports.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is a Crown corporation charged with protecting the public through effective and efficient screening of air travellers and their baggage. Our goal is to provide a professional, effective and consistent level of security service across the country, at or above the standards set by Transport Canada.

Established on April 1, 2002, CATSA’s responsibilities fall into four major air security areas:

• Pre-board screening of passengers and their belongings;
• Hold Baggage Screening through the acquisition, deployment, operation and maintenance of explosives detection systems at airports;
• Non-Passenger Screening of those entering airport restricted areas;
• Restricted Area Identity Card implementation and management

Why We do it
In the wake of 9/11, Parliament asked Transport Canada to establish new rules to strengthen Canada's air transport security system. CATSA is responsible for implementing the rules, and Screening Officers are the front-line personnel who apply them.

CATSA is a Crown corporation based in the National Capital Region
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) was created as part of a comprehensive, $2.2 billion package of air security initiatives contained in the December 2001 budget. CATSA came into force on April 1, 2002, through Bill C-49.

CATSA is a Crown corporation based in the National Capital Region. It reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport.

The Authority's mandate is the delivery of consistent, effective and highly professional service that is set at or above the standards established by federal regulations.

Mission
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's mission is to protect the public by securing critical elements of the air transportation system as assigned by the government.

Vision
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority will be a world leader in air transportation security through commitment to its mission and through operational and corporate excellence.

The Vision Will Be Realized Through:

• Contributing to a highly secure air transportation system
• Being cost effective
• Striving for excellence
• Networking with partners
• Establishing clear accountabilities
• Being innovative
• Fostering ethics and values
• Continuously improving implementation of best practices