Lois Larson
In Canada, airport security has been quasi-privatized, with air passengers bearing the cost of their air transport security. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), a Crown corporation, manages passenger security screening and reports to the government through the Minister of Transport. While CATSA is funded by Parliament, it also collects fees from passengers through the Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC). The development of Canada's aviation security policy has been influenced by the shock of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, resulting in a public-private partnership model where the government sets rules and contracts with private security companies. Delays and worsening wait times at Canadian airports have sparked discussions about the future of CATSA, with the federal government considering various options, including privatization.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Security Authority | Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) |
| CATSA's Responsibilities | Security screening of people and baggage, administration of identity cards |
| Number of Airports | 89 designated airports, 81 active |
| CATSA's Screening Officers | 8,984 active screening personnel across Canada in 2024 |
| Screening Passengers | 66.6 million passengers screened in 2024 |
| Privatization | The federal budget presented on March 19, 2019, included plans to privatize CATSA |
| Privatization Timeline | Delayed due to COVID-19, with no clear resumption date |
| Privatization Model | A private not-for-profit corporation will take over screening duties |
| Airport Security Funding | Funded entirely by air passengers, not the public treasury |
| Security Measures | X-ray machines, metal detectors, explosive trace detection (ETD), random physical searches |
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What You'll Learn
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)
Prior to September 11, 2001, airport screening in Canada was the responsibility of individual airlines, as directed by Transport Canada. However, following the attacks, the Government of Canada took over this responsibility, establishing CATSA to manage passenger security screening. CATSA shares responsibility for civil aviation security with various federal government departments, agencies, air carriers, and airport operators.
CATSA's funding primarily comes from the Air Travellers' Security Charge (ATSC) paid by passengers. This user-pay system has been criticized for imposing the entire cost of aviation security on travellers, potentially discouraging air travel in Canada and encouraging cross-border travel to fly from U.S. airports. While the ATSC is levied on passengers, the surplus revenue generated goes into the federal treasury rather than back into improving airport security. This has led to accusations of the government treating the fee as a "windfall" and concerns about the economic impact on the aviation industry.
In recent years, there have been growing calls for the privatization of CATSA due to worsening delays at Canadian airports and criticism of the current screening system. The National Airlines Council of Canada has urged the government to address these issues and improve passenger screening. In 2019, the Canadian government passed the Security Screening Services Commercialization Act, which enables the privatization of CATSA's screening duties by transferring them to a private, not-for-profit corporation. However, these plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is currently no clear timeline for resuming discussions.
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Passenger-funded airport security
Airport security is a critical aspect of safeguarding civil aviation against various threats, including unlawful interference, terrorism, and other malicious acts. In Canada, the evolution of airport security funding has led to a unique model of passenger-funded security, which has sparked discussions and raised questions about its effectiveness and impact.
Over the years, Canada has adopted a quasi-privatized approach to aviation security, with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), a Crown corporation, at the forefront of passenger screening and security functions. This model has been in place for over three decades and is funded primarily through the Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC) levied on air passengers.
The economic implications of this passenger-funded structure have been a subject of debate. On the one hand, it ensures dedicated funding for airport security operations. However, it also discourages air travel within Canada due to the added cost of security. Additionally, the ""export of air passengers"" occurs when Canadian travellers opt to drive across the border and fly from U.S. airports to avoid the extra charges, resulting in a potential loss of tax revenue for the Canadian government.
The National Airlines Council of Canada has urged Ottawa to address the issues surrounding airport security delays and privatization. While CATSA is funded by Parliament through the ATSC, there are concerns about the efficient utilization of funds and unpredictable delays in screening processes. These delays have been attributed to factors such as insufficient space for extra screening lines, staffing levels and equipment limitations, especially during peak periods.
The future of passenger-funded airport security in Canada remains uncertain, with proposals ranging from minor tweaks to the current system to more significant changes, such as transferring screening authority to non-profit entities or airport authorities. As discussions continue, the focus remains on balancing efficient security measures, traveller convenience, and economic implications in the context of a dynamic and challenging security landscape.
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Delays at Canada's largest airports
Canada has effectively privatized aviation security over the past few decades, with air passengers bearing the cost. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), a Crown corporation, manages passenger screening and reports to the Minister of Transport. While CATSA is funded by Parliament, it also imposes an Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC) on passengers to offset costs.
Canada's main airports, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, have experienced substantial disruptions due to weather and operational challenges. In 2025, Toronto Pearson International Airport, the country's largest and busiest airport, faced 125 delays and 15 cancellations due to thunderstorms and heavy rain. Vancouver International Airport recorded 74 delays and 7 cancellations caused primarily by fog and rain, impacting taxi times and departure efficiency. Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, ranked as the least punctual airport in Canada in 2023, saw 71 delays and 17 cancellations due to low clouds and rain, affecting ground handling.
These issues have had ripple effects on flight timings across Canada and underscored the challenges of meeting screening targets during peak travel periods. The aviation industry in North America has been recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase in air passenger traffic. However, passengers in Canada continue to experience flight delays, causing frustration and inconvenience.
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Privatization plans delayed
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is responsible for security screening at 89 designated airports in Canada. While CATSA is a Canadian Crown Corporation, it already contracts screening services to private security companies.
In 2019, the federal budget outlined the Canadian government's intention to transition CATSA into a private, not-for-profit entity. The Security Screening Services Commercialization Act (SSSCA) received Royal Assent, and the Act allows the Governor-in-Council to designate a private not-for-profit corporation as the designated screening authority to take over and privatize the screening duties of CATSA.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed these privatization plans, and there is currently no clear timeline for when discussions will resume. The original proposed timeline for completing CATSA's transformation was aggressive, with a goal of having the new organization up and running within a year.
The new private entity, known as the Designated Screening Authority (DSA), will operate outside of the government, allowing it to be more nimble, innovative, responsive, customer-service-driven, and affordable. Transport Canada will continue to regulate aviation security and have oversight, ensuring that security standards remain a core value of the new organization.
The move towards privatization is based on the belief that it will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of screening processes, reduce costs for travellers, and better serve travellers without compromising security. Canada's airports and airlines have called for high standards, such as screening 95% of travellers in under 10 minutes at high-volume checkpoints.
In recent years, the federal government has also introduced the Verified Traveller Program to streamline airport security check-in processes and improve travellers' experiences.
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Public-private partnership model
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Canada adopted a public-private partnership model for its airport security. This model sees the government establish rules and standards for aviation security, while a government corporation, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), collects fees, manages screening equipment, and contracts with private security companies to handle screening services.
CATSA is a Crown corporation that reports to the Canadian government through the Minister of Transport. It is funded primarily by the Air Travellers' Security Charge (ATSC), a tax levied on airline tickets, which is paid by passengers. While this approach ensures dedicated funding for aviation security, it has been criticised for discouraging air travel in Canada and incentivising travellers to fly from US airports instead.
The public-private partnership model in Canada has faced scrutiny in recent years due to worsening delays at the country's largest airports. In 2016, the Canadian government initiated a review of CATSA, including the possibility of privatisation, but no results have been announced as of 2018. The National Airlines Council of Canada has urged the government to address the issue, citing growing frustration among passengers, airlines, and airports.
On June 21, 2019, Parliament passed the Security Screening Services Commercialization Act, which enables the privatisation of CATSA's screening duties by designating a private not-for-profit corporation as the screening authority. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these plans have been delayed indefinitely.
The public-private partnership model in Canada demonstrates a unique approach to aviation security, where the government maintains oversight while leveraging the expertise and efficiency of private sector partners. While challenges remain, the model has been recognised as a viable alternative to purely federal screening systems, offering potential benefits in terms of cost savings and flexibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Canada privatized airport security in 2019, when Parliament passed the Security Screening Services Commercialization Act.
The Security Screening Services Commercialization Act allows the Governor-in-Council to designate a private not-for-profit corporation as the screening authority, taking over and privatizing the duties of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).
CATSA is the Canadian Crown Corporation responsible for security screening and the administration of identity cards at 89 designated airports in Canada.
CATSA is funded by Parliament, with funds from the Air Travellers' Security Charge (ATSC) paid by passengers.
The ATSC is a tax added to airline tickets to offset payments from the treasury to CATSA.
