Airport Emergency Preparedness in Canada - CARAC Submission and Public Briefing
In 2026, Advocates for Safer Airports in Canada presented evidence to the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC) showing that Canada’s current airport emergency preparedness framework allows scheduled passenger operations to continue without guaranteed rescue capability. Below are the presentation, government letters, and briefing materials related to this work.
Overview — Why this matters
Canada’s current airport emergency preparedness framework allows scheduled passenger operations to continue without guaranteed rescue capability at all airports. This creates serious risks for passengers and crews in emergencies.
“CAR compliance is not the same as emergency readiness, and emergency readiness is not the same as survivability.”
We advocate for stronger standards and accountability to ensure airports can respond effectively to aircraft emergencies.
Parliamentary direction (M-96)
In 2023, the Canadian Parliament adopted Motion M-96, calling for a review of airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) services to ensure adequate emergency preparedness at all airports serving passenger aircraft.
M-96 highlights gaps in current regulations and stresses the need for clear, enforceable standards that protect passengers, crews, and first responders.
The motion remains a vital driver for ongoing safety improvements.
Selected Letters to Government
The federal government has now formally acknowledged ASA Canada’s concerns regarding aviation emergency preparedness, survivability, and ARFF capability gaps at Canadian airports.
Media Q&A and Resources
For journalists covering airport safety issues, here is a concise Q&A document explaining the main facts and our advocacy points:
Public Briefing