GI-2026-17-reg2: Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Security Program for Air Carriers)

The regulations affect 16 Canadian air carriers operating international flights and 81 foreign air carriers serving Canada — all operating scheduled commercial flights on aircraft certified for 20 or more passengers with a maximum take-off weight above 8,618 kg. If you run one of these airlines, you'll need to build out a formal written security program covering risk assessments, a strategic security plan, an emergency plan, annual internal audits, and staff training documentation — most of which you're probably already doing informally or to meet other countries' requirements. The government estimates Canadian carriers will spend about $2.9 million total over 12 years to comply, averaging roughly $476 per business per year in new administrative burden. Any cost increases may be passed on to passengers, estimated at between less than a cent and $1.91 per ticket depending on the carrier.