Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to this issue this evening and, in particular, about the role of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATS) within the Canadian Aviation Security Environment, and how it relates to Airport Operations.

CATSA fulfills its responsibilities and conducts its operations within a fixed budget allocated by the Government of Canada. CATSA manages these funds in accordance with the Government’s Financial Administration Act.

At the time of its creation in 2002, CATSA was allocated $1.9 billion for a five year period ending March 31, 2007.

As a result of increased passenger volumes and related screening operation costs, the Government of Canada granted CATSA an additional $133 million over 2 years in its 2006 Budget. This represents $45 million for 2006 and $88 million for 2007.

Mr. Speaker, with regards to the responsibility of hold baggage screening, CATSA will be required by to screen 100 per cent of hold baggage on Domestic and International flights. This initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to enhancing security as a result of the events of September 11, 2001.

This has translated into the deployment of 100 projects and 2,500 pieces of screening equipment to the 89 designated Canadian Airports over the past four years.

CATSA is required by Transport Canada regulation to install security screening equipment in all designated airports.

To achieve this, CATSA works in cooperation with airport authorities to design and install the appropriate screening system.

CATSA signs agreements with airport authorities, which clearly define the financial responsibilities for the installation of security screening equipment.

Canadian airports receive from CATS the funding required to cover construction costs for Hold Baggage screening equipment and an annual contribution towards the maintenance of the conveyor belt system associated with CATSA’S equipment.

The Thunder Bay International Airport collaborated with CATSA on seven different designs for the Hold Baggage screening area.

After an engineering review, CATSA and the airport chose one design, and agreed upon a fixed sum for which CATSA would reimburse the airport to cover construction costs.

CATSA’s total commitment to the Thunder Bay International Airport is over $3 million for the construction and installation of new equipment, plus the maintenance costs for the conveyor best system associated with CATSA’s equipment.

Mr. Speaker, consistent with CATSA’s policy, other maintenance costs outside CATSA’s security screening system are the responsibility of the airport authority, including expansionary initiatives put forward by any Canadian airport in order to meet traffic demands.

CATSA continually conducts reviews with airports to ensure screening processes meet present and future needs.

CATSA fulfills its mission to protect the public by securing critical elements of the air transportation system as assigned by the Government.

Thank you.