Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Canada: How Transport Canada Manages UAP Reports with Transparency and Precision
A Clear Look at Transport Canada’s Approach to UAP Reporting
In recent years, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) have captured public attention worldwide. In Canada, Transport Canada plays a pivotal role in collecting and categorizing these reports while ensuring that aviation safety remains paramount.
An Overview of the Reporting System
Transport Canada manages the Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System (CADORS), a publicly available database that gathers preliminary data on aviation occurrences. Approximately 90% of these reports come from NAV Canada, with additional inputs provided by the public, airport operators, and other involved parties. This system is designed to supplement standard operational reporting procedures, ensuring that every occurrence is systematically categorized and available for analysis.
How UAP Reports Are Handled
Within CADORS, UAP-related sightings are coded under a specific category—“Weather balloon, meteor, rocket, CIRVIS/UFO.” This categorization allows for efficient data analysis and appropriate follow-up measures. Although Transport Canada receives around 1,000 UAP reports annually, only a fraction of these are transmitted by NAV Canada and entered into the system. A review of the database from 2010 onward reveals approximately 406 records, not all strictly pertaining to UAPs.
Despite the considerable number of reports, Transport Canada emphasizes that detailed investigations into UAP sightings lie outside its regulatory mandate. Nonetheless, the agency remains committed to collaborating with other federal departments to maintain the safety and security of Canada’s aviation industry.
Media Attention and Institutional Coordination
Recent media coverage has highlighted a briefing provided to a former Minister of National Defence regarding UAPs, coinciding with the anticipated release of a U.S. intelligence report. While these reports have fueled public interest, Transport Canada maintains a non-conspiratorial stance by focusing on transparency and procedural clarity. The agency clarifies that the data collected in CADORS are preliminary and that the system itself has minimal potential for regulatory enforcement regarding UAP sightings.
Internally, there has been a coordinated effort to prepare briefing materials (referred to as a Policy Information Contribution or PIC) for senior officials. Email exchanges between various Transport Canada representatives demonstrate a structured approach to compiling, reviewing, and updating relevant data. This internal communication reinforces the importance of timely and accurate reporting, ensuring that decision-makers are well-informed without lending credence to speculative interpretations.
A Collaborative Path Forward
In contrast to approaches in other countries—most notably the United States, which allocates more funding toward UAP research—Canada has adopted a more measured strategy. The suggestion for a streamlined, whole-of-government approach to standardize data collection highlights the potential for enhanced inter-agency collaboration. By refining the data gathering process, Transport Canada aims to ensure that UAP reports contribute to overall aviation safety without becoming the subject of undue speculation.
Conclusion
Transport Canada’s handling of UAP sightings exemplifies a commitment to operational transparency and interdepartmental cooperation. While the system captures a significant volume of preliminary data, the agency’s focus remains on maintaining aviation safety through systematic reporting and careful analysis. By avoiding speculative narratives and emphasizing procedural rigor, Transport Canada provides a model for how governments can address emerging phenomena in a balanced and professional manner.