CATSA is committed to supporting Government of Canada priorities, as set out in the Speech from the Throne, the government’s budget plans, the mandate letter from the Prime Minister to the Minister of Transport, and the letter of expectations from the Minister of Transport to the Chairperson of CATSA’s Board of Directors (see Appendix A).
Improved Service Delivery
CATSA strives to improve its mandated delivery of security screening services through meeting or exceeding its security effectiveness target, striving for an improved wait time service level, exploring new technologies, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, implementing life-cycle management plans and collaborating with partners to improve the passenger journey.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
CATSA shares the Government of Canada’s commitment to respecting Canada’s diversity and inclusion values as it relates to its workforce and in delivering respectful and inclusive security screening. As part of its efforts, the organization has collaborated with various special interest groups as well as third party service providers to enhance training for CATSA staff and screening officers, on topics such as Indigenous cultural awareness, unconscious bias and accessibility. Furthermore, new e-modules on screening religious headwear and articles of faith, as well as training on unconscious bias, has been developed and will be deployed to screening personnel during the planning period. Additionally, a gender-neutral algorithm for full body scanners will be fully deployed by the end of 2024/25. This algorithm introduces better technology and more respectful processes that acknowledge the diversity of 2SLGBTQI+ community.
Additionally, CATSA supports the Government of Canada’s objective to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of Canada’s population. In addition to the efforts contained in CATSA’s Employment Equity Plan described in Appendix H, the organization’s Code of Ethics, Conduct and Conflict of Interest, is designed to foster and reinforce a safe, respectful and welcoming work environment for all.
CATSA continuously increases employee awareness by working with the DIN to identify potential barriers to employment equity, provide employees with career management sessions and toolkits, and introduce a variety of diversity and inclusion initiatives and training sessions.
CATSA’s commitments to diversity, equality, inclusion and employment equity are also supported by the adoption of workplace policies and practices that ensure employees from diverse backgrounds have access to reasonable accommodation of their values and traditions. Progress towards meeting diversity and employment equity goals is actively measured, monitored and evaluated. CATSA submits an annual report on its fulfillment of the Employment Equity Act and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.
Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
CATSA is fully committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The organization’s actions in the sphere of civil aviation security have consisted of striving towards a workforce that is representative of Indigenous populations and ensuring that sacred and spiritual items are treated respectfully during the screening process.
In 2023, CATSA collaborated with Indigenous leaders to develop the course material for the Indigenous Cultural Awareness learning program provided to screening contractors, screening officers and CATSA staff. The goal of the training is to enhance the service offered to Indigenous travellers and incorporate diverse Indigenous backgrounds, experiences, cultural values and traditions into CATSA’s operations.
CATSA continues to work with screening contractors to underscore the importance of the procedures for screening sacred and spiritual items. These procedures outline best practices for screening items with sensitivity and respect.
Gender-based Analysis Plus
CATSA enables the implementation of GBA Plus principles in its decision-making processes, employment and recruitment practices, and operational procedures. Progress on efforts towards creating a barrier-free, inclusive, and sensitive environment is measured against the CATSA’s GBA Plus Action Plan. The action plan has been successful in championing new initiatives, strengthening current processes and identifying gaps. CATSA has implemented successful initiatives including integrating GBA Plus principles into the project review process.
CATSA implements ongoing GBA Plus training. As an example, employees in leadership and decision-making positions are participating in the “Introduction to GBA Plus” online module provided by the Government of Canada. The goal is to provide decision-makers with additional insight on how diverse groups experience CATSA’s programs, policies and services.
Additionally, CATSA will be conducting a review of the Customer Service Commitment to Passengers with GBA Plus principles at the forefront. This work and any resulting adjustments reflect the importance of respectful, sensitive and barrier-free interactions with passengers.
Lastly, the organization’s DIN undertakes strong internal engagement work, educating employees and management on GBA Plus principles and resources.
Ensuring Accessibility for all Canadians
CATSA’s commitment to a barrier-free workplace and security screening experience for all Canadians is paramount in the planning and analysis of programs, practices, policies and services. This focus frames CATSA’s future through an accessible lens.
As part of CATSA’s commitment to accessibility and in line with direction from the Government of Canada, the organization published its first Accessibility Plan on December 31, 2022. To uphold the commitments and action items highlighted in the plan, CATSA has maintained a cross-branch working group that meets regularly to monitor progress and measure success. The organization continues to progress towards the Accessible Canada Act commitment to a barrier-free Canada by 2040.
In December 2023, CATSA published the Accessibility Plan Progress Report, which provides an update to Canadians on action plan items in accordance with regulations. The organization initiated a consultation and feedback process for the progress report, providing advocacy organizations, screening officers, and CATSA employees an opportunity to provide their input into the accessible future of CATSA and its operations. Ongoing engagement with the accessibility community remains a priority through engagement events and consultation with associations representing the interests of persons with disabilities.
Sustainable Development
In September 2015, United Nations Member States, including Canada, adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the UN General Assembly.
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs outlined 17 goals for sustainable development. Many of CATSA’s programs and services are maintained and developed in line with the following sustainable development goals:
- Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls;
- Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all;
- Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation;
- Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable;
- Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns;
- Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; and
- Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
CATSA continues to incorporate UN sustainable development principles into practice, using the goals as a guideline to build a sustainability framework to progress government priorities throughout the organization. CATSA’s existing initiatives including the Accessibility Plan, GBA Plus Action Plan, and Employment Equity Plan highlight the organization’s strong foundation of sustainability and equity.
Climate Change and Green Government
CATSA is undertaking preparatory work to adopt the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) as an element of corporate reporting by 2024. As part of these preparations, the Board of Directors approved a Climate Disclosure Policy in 2022/23, and CATSA performed a qualitative climate-related risk and opportunity assessment. This assessment concluded that while CATSA’s climate physical and transition risks were limited, that monitoring climate impacts on airport operations and equipment was warranted. During 2023/24, CATSA finalized its greenhouse gas emissions inventory, conducted a climate scenario analysis and developed a climate strategy and initial targets. Ultimately, the organization will report the results of these new requirements in its 2025 Annual Report.