Transport Canada
The Department of Transport (Transport Canada) is the federal department responsible for developing and enforcing transportation policies, regulations, and infrastructure projects to ensure safe and efficient movement of people and goods across Canada. It oversees aviation, rail, marine, and road transportation systems, working to enhance national connectivity and economic growth.
In FY 2024,
$5.1B
Was spent by the Dept. of Transport
In FY 2024,
1%
Of federal spending was by the Dept. of Transport
Transport Canada spent $5.1 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This was 1% of the $513.9 billion in overall federal spending. The department ranked fourteenth among federal departments in total spending.
Transport Canada accounted for 1% of all federal spending in FY 2024. 10 government departments accounted for 73.2% of federal spending in FY 2024
26.48%
18.38%
12.25%
6.71%
3.74%
3.27%
2.82%
2.71%
2.67%
2%
Federal spending may shift over time due to population growth, changes in policy and programs, and emerging problems to address. Since 1995, overall federal spending has risen 74.9%, while Transport spending has remained relatively flat.
In FY 2024, Transport Canada accounted for 1% of all federal spending, 0.74% percentage points lower than in 1995.
Major legislation, internal or global economic conditions, and acute events like the COVID-19 pandemic can significantly influence government spending year to year. For instance, during the pandemic, the Government of Canada's total expenses rose from $410.2 billion in 2019 to $420 billion in 2020 and further to $720.3 billion in 2021.
Similarly, Transport Canada's expenditures experienced fluctuations during this period, increasing from approximately $3.2 billion in 2019 (adjusted for inflation) to $5.1B in 2024.
How did Transport Canada spend its budget in FY24?
Federal government spending isolated to FY 2024
Federal departments often contain other entities including offices, crown corporations and agencies. In FY 2024, Transport Canada reported total expenditures of $5.1 billion across the following entities:
Department of Transport
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
VIA Rail Canada Inc
Marine Atlantic Inc.
Canadian Transportation Agency
VIA HFR - VIA TGF Inc
The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited
$3.02B
$971.2M
$804M
$191.7M
$55.3M
$49.5M
$7M
Who Leads Transport Canada?
Transport Canada is led by the Minister of Transport, who is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and formally sworn into office at Rideau Hall. Upon appointment, the Minister takes the Oath of Office and the Oath of Allegiance, becoming a member of the King's Privy Council for Canada.
The Minister of Transport is one of the cabinet members who serve at the Prime Minister's discretion. Their tenure typically ends when they resign, are replaced, or when a new Prime Minister appoints a new cabinet. Outgoing ministers continue in their roles until their successors are sworn in.
The Minister is responsible for overseeing Canada's transportation policies, ensuring safety regulations, investing in infrastructure, and leading climate initiatives related to aviation, rail, marine, and road transportation.
