TRAN Committee Report

RECOMMENDATION 1

That any future government regulatory framework for unmanned air vehicles be appropriately flexible so as to ensure the ability to effectively adapt in order to keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry and the varying needs of Canadians, while continuing to balance the public interest for safety and security.

RECOMMENDATION 2

That Transport Canada designate additional, safely-situated airspace for unmanned air vehicle testing, training, and recreational use.

RECOMMENDATION 3

That any future government regulatory framework for unmanned air vehicles appropriately complement the regulatory structures utilized by the United States in an effort to establish and maintain a seamless and effective cross-border regulatory environment.

RECOMMENDATION 4

That Transport Canada, the unmanned air vehicle manufacturing industry and commercial operators work together in order to actively engage with private individuals who are involved in experimental modifications to unmanned air vehicles. This may be done through a co-funded program designed to encourage, recognize, and reward innovation.

RECOMMENDATION 5

That any future government regulatory framework place an appropriate onus on unmanned air vehicle manufacturers, and on the industry at large, to assist in maintaining the continued safety of all Canadians within an environment that includes the responsible use of unmanned air vehicles and unmanned air vehicle technologies.

RECOMMENDATION 6

That Transport Canada introduce classes of unmanned air vehicles and that each class be regulated in a manner that considers the common elements of the unmanned air vehicles of that class.

RECOMMENDATION 7

That Transport Canada assess the appropriateness of immediately regulating the use of robot unmanned air vehicles, which fly without any human intervention.

RECOMMENDATION 8

That the federal government grant Transport Canada greater regulatory authority over recreational and commercial unmanned air vehicles and increase its relevant budget accordingly.

RECOMMENDATION 9

That the federal government ensure that regulation of the commercial use of unmanned air vehicles is not exclusively subject to self-regulation standards.

RECOMMENDATION 10

That the federal government ensure that unmanned air vehicle regulations do not unreasonably restrict access to their recreational use.

RECOMMENDATION 11

That the federal government require permanent markings (eg. electronic or physical) for unmanned air vehicles.

RECOMMENDATION 12

That Transport Canada streamline the pilot certification process for commercial and professional unmanned air vehicle pilots in the interests of ensuring Canada's competitive advantage in this high-growth sector.

RECOMMENDATION 13

That any government regulatory framework adopt a public education program, working in conjunction with key industry stakeholders, to educate users of the rules, responsibilities (operational and ethical), regulations, and risks associated with unmanned air vehicles and the regulatory criteria that apply to the unmanned air vehicles they own  or manage.

RECOMMENDATION 14

That the committee recommend that Transport Canada require a permit for all pilots of commercial and professional unmanned air vehicles and that Transport Canada study the possibility of requiring a permit for pilots of recreational unmanned air vehicles that pose a risk to the public based on size, speed or other factors.

RECOMMENDATION 15

That any future government regulatory framework establishes regulations for speed and altitude for unmanned air vehicles in controlled airspace.

RECOMMENDATION 16

That any future government regulatory framework requires unmanned air vehicles meet specific testing standards based upon the level of risk they may pose.

RECOMMENDATION 17

That any future government regulatory framework for unmanned air vehicles be designed with systems to prevent run-aways.

RECOMMENDATION 18

That any future government regulatory framework incorporate innovative safety and security-based technologies such as, but not limited to, the use of a BFUFly style app, geo-fencing, tracking devices and other ground blocking technologies.

RECOMMENDATION 19

That Transport Canada ensure that all unmanned air vehicles that pose a risk to the public based on size, speed or other factors have transponders.

RECOMMENDATION 20

That the committee recommend that Transport Canada take small local and regional airports or aerodromes into consideration in developing its regulations, as well as aircraft that do not have the necessary electronic equipment to detect unmanned air vehicles.

RECOMMENDATION 21

That Transport Canada engage in ongoing dialogue with the Provinces, Territories, and municipalities on unmanned air vehicles,  in order to: identify and resolve any conflicts between jurisdictional regulations, to streamline the regulatory process, and to discuss any future safety, security, and regulatory concerns that may result from the ongoing evolution of the industry.

RECOMMENDATION 22

That Transport Canada and security agencies work in collaboration with one another on ongoing and future research and development of unmanned air vehicle interdiction systems.

RECOMMENDATION 23

That the Committee communicate with the Public Safety and National Security Committee, and the Justice and Human Rights Committee, to consider utilizing their respective expertise to examine any possible privacy, public safety, and/or national security implications of unmanned air vehicles and unmanned air vehicle technologies resulting from the potential criminal use of this emerging and expanding industry.

RECOMMENDATION 24

That the federal government ensure that Canadian privacy legislation adequately protects Canadians from the recreational and commercial use of unmanned air vehicles.