QUESTION PERIOD — Transport
Pilot Licensing
April 23, 2026
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Moreau, for several years, I have been engaging with members of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, or COPA. Yesterday, I met with two of its senior representatives, who raised serious concerns regarding growing backlogs with Transport Canada’s aviation medical certification system.
These delays are affecting students and recreational and commercial pilots alike, with real consequences for training, employment, tourism and our economy.
The industry is particularly concerned that these backlogs could worsen, given anticipated budgetary and human resources reductions at the department.
Can you provide assurance to COPA and its thousands of members that Transport Canada is taking concrete steps to reduce these backlogs and that any forthcoming reductions will not negatively affect processing times for pilot medical certifications?
Thank you. To all Canadians it is important to underline that aviation and public safety are top priorities for Transport Canada.
Transport Canada is aware of the concerns surrounding backlogs and resource pressures. The department is actively managing staffing and workloads to maintain efficient and reliable processing.
The government recognizes that timely processing is critical. The government is working closely with airlines, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, unions and flight training units to identify and fast track priority cases, helping to protect jobs and keep the aviation system running smoothly.
Canadians can rest assured that the government will continue taking the necessary steps to improve service delivery while ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety.
Thank you. Aviation safety is a priority. Unlike Canada, the United States adopted BasicMed in 2017 to streamline pilot medical certification.
My question is not about U.S. pilots, but about a made-in-Canada equivalent aligned with BasicMed. Industry tells me that Transport Canada’s work has stalled on developing and implementing a similar approach. What is the current status? Will the government commit to advancing this option to reduce backlogs?
Yes. For now, the focus is on improving the current system, which includes modernization processes, reducing delays and strengthening services, all the while keeping safety as a top priority.
The department is aware of alternative approaches, such as BasicMed; however, Canada’s system is grounded on international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and Canadian Aviation Regulations to ensure consistent and rigorous safety oversight.
