Canada Offers Drone Incident Reporting Tool
"In the past few years, the use of drones in Canada has increased tremendously, and it's a good time to be working with this industry. Transport Canada is taking a number of steps to improve safety and innovation in this sector, including engaging retailers so new drone users are aware of the rules from the start; introducing an efficient tool for Canadians to report safety issues; and helping drone users test new technology," said Minister of Transport Marc Garneau.
Transport Canada announced some additional safety initiatives for drones on Dec. 21, with Kate Young, member of Parliament for London West and Parliamentary Secretary to the minister of Transport, saying the new measures for one of Canada's fastest-growing industries include a new incident reporting tool and new exemptions for non-recreational operators.
She made the announcement on behalf of Minister Marc Garneau. "Transport Canada is proud of the work that’s been done over the past year to improve safety for Canadians and support innovation for the drone industry. Many Canadians will receive or purchase drones over the holidays this year and we encourage all new operators to learn the rules and help us keep the skies safe," Young said.
Transport Canada is focused on these key areas:
- Helping Canadians report safety concerns through a new online tool
- Improving regulations for drone operators
- Simplifying rules for commercial operators with two new exemptions
- Supporting innovation for commercial operators at a new drone test site in Alberta
- Partnering with retailers to provide safety information at the point of sale
- Launching a No Drone Zone public awareness campaign
Canadians are encouraged to visit www.canada.ca/drone-safety for updates on the department's progress on drones. "In the past few years, the use of drones in Canada has increased tremendously, and it's a good time to be working with this industry. Transport Canada is taking a number of steps to improve safety and innovation in this sector, including engaging retailers so new drone users are aware of the rules from the start; introducing an efficient tool for Canadians to report safety issues; and helping drone users test new technology," said Garneau.