CTA Review

The CTA, which came into effect in 1996:

• Continued deregulation for all modes (building on the National Transportation Act, 1987 which recognized competition and market forces as the prime forces governing transportation); • Streamlined the rail line transfer and discontinuance process (did away with public hearings); • Enhanced safety.

The CTA was recently amended:

• Bill C-26 (effective July 5, 2000): implemented elements of the government’s airline restructuring plan to protect consumers and foster competition in Canada’s air industry; *
• Bill C-34 (effective August 1, 2000): made several changes to the grain handling and transportation system including changes to the CTA respecting the transfer of branch lines and simplifying the dispute resolution mechanism (also applies to non-grain)

Marine transportation is governed by the Canada Marine Act (CMA) which received Royal Assent in 1998. Canada Port Authorities brought into being by the CMA were, for the most part, formed in 1999 (see The Canada Marine Act – Creating Canada Port Authorities). The degree to which the Review Panel will make recommendations respecting the CMA is questionable because it has only been in effect for a short time.

Motor vehicle transport and commodity pipelines are excluded from the CTA. The Review could examine other federal transportation-related Acts.

* As well, an Air Travel Complaints Commissioner was appointed on August 1, 2000 to monitor domestic air services.



	CTA and Related Acts The CTA, which came into effect in 1996: • Continued deregulation for all modes (building on the National Transportation Act, 1987 which recognized competition and market forces as the prime forces governing transportation); • Streamlined the rail line transfer and discontinuance process (did away with public hearings); • Enhanced safety. The CTA was recently amended: • Bill C-26 (effective July 5, 2000): implemented elements of the government’s airline restructuring plan to protect consumers and foster competition in Canada’s air industry; * • Bill C-34 (effective August 1, 2000): made several changes to the grain handling and transportation system including changes to the CTA respecting the transfer of branch lines and simplifying the dispute resolution mechanism (also applies to non-grain) Marine transportation is governed by the Canada Marine Act (CMA) which received Royal Assent in 1998. Canada Port Authorities brought into being by the CMA were, for the most part, formed in 1999 (see The Canada Marine Act – Creating Canada Port Authorities). The degree to which the Review Panel will make recommendations respecting the CMA is questionable because it has only been in effect for a short time. Motor vehicle transport and commodity pipelines are excluded from the CTA. The Review could examine other federal transportation-related Acts. * As well, an Air Travel Complaints Commissioner was appointed on August 1, 2000 to monitor domestic air services.