Major overhaul of Canada's Aeronautics Act: higher penalties, drone rules, new compliance tools and extended enforcement powers

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

Canada's Aeronautics Act has been significantly amended, affecting virtually every participant in the aviation sector. Maximum summary conviction fines for individuals rise from $5,000 to $150,000, and for corporations from $25,000 to $1,500,000; the ANS Corporation faces up to $1,500,000 per day for service-level violations. The Act now explicitly covers persons and goods on board aircraft bound for Canada, not just those already in Canada. New provisions create a formal framework for voluntary safety and security information programs with confidentiality protections, allow the Minister to issue corrective-measure notices for deficient safety or security management systems, and introduce compliance agreements as an alternative to immediate monetary penalties. Intentionally interfering with a remotely piloted aircraft system (drone) is now a specific offence, and the Minister may authorize certain interference activities. Interim orders can now be made to implement international standards or agreements and remain in force for up to one year (previously 14 days) before Governor in Council approval, with a maximum life of three years. Aircraft owners, operators, and pilots-in-command face explicit vicarious liability for offences committed in relation to their aircraft, and a due-diligence defence is codified for most (but not all) violations.

Who this affects: air carriers and airline operators · aerodrome and aviation facility operators · remotely piloted aircraft system (drone) operators and manufacturers · aviation security and safety management personnel · passengers and cargo shippers on flights bound for Canada