Nadia Della Valle

The public consultation session in Halifax on June 29, 2018, focused on the new air passenger protection regulations. Key discussion points included the importance of clear communication with passengers regarding their rights, minimum standards of treatment for flight disruptions, and compensation for delays, cancellations, and baggage issues. Specific concerns were raised about the unique challenges faced by travelers in regions with volatile weather, the need for flexibility in applying regulations based on aircraft size, and the potential for higher compensation in overbooking situations. Accessibility for deaf, deaf-blind, late-deafened, and hard of hearing Canadians was also addressed, with recommendations for visual formats of public announcements and real-time updates during flight disruptions. Additionally, concerns were voiced regarding mechanical malfunctions, loyalty reward programs, and rebooking policies.

The Canadian Transportation Agency's 2023-2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report outlines the agency's commitments to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Key areas of focus include advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, reducing waste and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, and taking action on climate change. The strategy involves implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, strengthening green procurement criteria, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2021-22 Departmental Plan outlines the Canadian Transportation Agency's (CTA) priorities, which include modernizing its framework, providing timely and responsive dispute resolution services, and making Canada's transportation system the most accessible in the world. The plan focuses on developing new regulations for air passenger protection, streamlining guidance materials, processing air passenger complaints, engaging with the disability community, and ensuring compliance monitoring and enforcement of legal obligations. The CTA aims to inform stakeholders and the public about their transportation-related rights and responsibilities and the services available to them.

The Canadian Transportation Agency's Accessibility Plan for 2023-2025 focuses on creating a barrier-free environment for employees and the public. It includes initiatives such as establishing a dedicated feedback process, consulting with disability rights organizations, and appointing a Disability Advisor. The plan outlines goals for improving employment practices, ensuring accessibility in IT and communications, and enhancing the design and delivery of programs and services. The plan aims to strengthen accessibility considerations in procurement processes and promote ongoing engagement with people with disabilities to foster a more inclusive organization.

The Canadian Transportation Agency's Strategic Framework for 2021-2024 aims to contribute to an accessible, competitive, economic, and efficient national transportation system. Key priorities include resolving backlogs, improving accessibility, enhancing stakeholder engagement, cultivating continuous improvement, and building a diverse and resilient organization. The vision is to be a modern, high-performing, outcome-driven organization that provides high value to Canadians through regulatory expertise and timely dispute resolution.