Operating context: conditions affecting our work

Canada's transportation system is a complex, rapidly-changing network that is vital to the country's prosperity and social cohesion. 

To deliver its mandates, serve the public interest, and meet the expectations of Canadians, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) must remain aware of and keep pace with emerging trends and changing conditions.

In recent years, changes in business models and user expectations have transformed the transportation landscape. In particular:

  • Innovative business practices have increased competition and consumer choice.
  • The use of emerging technologies has enabled increased shipping volumes and more efficient operations, sometimes creating pressure for communities on urban development and environmental concerns.
  • The expectations of travellers, shippers and communities have risen, along with their ability to make their voices heard through new technologies and media.

Looking forward, growing numbers of aging Canadians can be expected to pursue active lifestyles and demand access to transportation services. Meanwhile, cities will continue to grow along with a corresponding need to connect these hubs of innovation and wealth creation. Technology will continue to redefine the way we travel, live and work. Canada's interconnectedness with the world will require us to react nimbly to uncertainty and change beyond our borders.

This evolving environment necessarily impacts transportation system and the CTA's ability to effectively deliver its mandate.  Much of its workload, continuing from the previous year, stems from an unprecedented increase in the number of applications brought by individuals seeking to resolve disputes with air carriers.

Key risks: things that could affect our ability to achieve our plans and results

Risks Risk response strategy Link to the Agency’s Core Responsibility

Over-extended resources as a result of increases in the CTA's mandates and workload

Insufficient resources to maintain core business functions with ongoing operational pressures while absorbing new mandates resulting from legislative amendments, increasing demand from users, and government-wide transformation initiatives

The CTA:

  • Will continue to review and streamline business processes and procedures
  • Will implement efficiencies identified in an assessment of its financial situation.
  • Will seek to access funding identified in Fall Economic Statement 2017 and Budget 2018

The CTA will know this risk mitigation strategy was effective if it is successful in delivering its core services to Canadians while completing 2018-19 within its allocated budget.

Independent regulatory and dispute-resolution services for transportation providers and users

Insufficient public and stakeholder awareness

Transportation service providers, travellers and shippers are sometimes insufficiently aware of their rights and responsibilities, and the services available to them through the CTA

The CTA:

  • Will enhance outreach and awareness activities with stakeholders and the public regarding their rights and responsibilities, as well as the recourse available to them through the CTA
  • Will develop and implement a systemic, data-driven, risk-based compliance monitoring and enforcement program

The CTA will know this risk response strategy was effective if the number of applications, complaints, and inquiries to the CTA in 2018-19 is comparable to or higher than the average number for the previous three fiscal years.

Independent regulatory and dispute-resolution services for transportation providers and users

Out-of-date regulatory framework

The suite of regulations administered by the CTA requires updates to keep pace with current business models, user expectations and best practices in the regulatory field

The CTA:

  • Will continue comprehensive review of all the regulations it administers
  • Will continue consulting widely with stakeholders, experts and the public on possible regulatory reform
  • Will continue drafting updated regulations and advance them through the necessary approval processes

The CTA will know this risk response strategy was effective if a modernized set of regulations is drafted and approved-in-principle by the CTA during 2018-19.

Independent regulatory and dispute-resolution services for transportation providers and users

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