The Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council (CAMC) is embarking on several new projects this year and completing some of the ones started in 2006. The outcome of these projects, once finalized and in place, will positively impact our occupations and the fields of aviation in which we work.

I will start by introducing two of these initiatives with a brief introduction to illustrate the potential positive impact it will make in your workplace or within your occupation.

Safety Management System (SMS):

Safety is a condition where risks are managed to acceptable levels. Safety is covered by the Labour Codes in this country and recently, it was mandated by Transport Canada affecting anyone working on aircraft in Canada.

The Safety Management System (SMS) is a set of programs, processes and procedures developed individually by each company and approved by Transport Canada. This is required before Transport Canada issues an Operating Certificate to each company.

When this newly mandated SMS system is implemented into the work culture, introductory programs will be required in order to adapt to this new work culture. This is where CAMC will be able to assist the industry by developing programs and curricula for the industry to use, starting in May 2007.

SMS will impact everyone from executives, mechanics, quality departments, warehouse personnel, members who load and unload goods onto an airplane, aviation fuelers to pilots and flight attendants. Simply put, SMS will affect any person who performs work on an aircraft within the aviation and aerospace industry in Canada.

National Aerospace Human Resources Strategy Development:

The Canadian aerospace industry had stated that they need a harmonized Human Resource (HR) strategy for this country.

This national project will address the shortage and attrition of employees and change in competencies required at all levels such as skilled trades, technical/professional, as well as managerial.

CAMC is planning to develop a national strategy and action plan for the Aerospace industry to address current and future HR needs by working with the provinces, regions, and departments. This project will start early this year and should be completed by early 2008.

Other Projects:

The following projects will be made available and posted in the near future: Skilled Workforce for the Future; Updating the National Aviation and Aerospace Occupational Standards; Development of new Aviation and Aerospace Standards, and Management Advancement & Recruitment.

In upcoming articles, I will introduce the next two of these projects, and wrap up the series with a general article on all the initiatives explaining the progress and possible impacts on our membership.

It is clear that CAMC is expanding into the aerospace sector in 2007. We welcome our members from this sector who are being represented by CAMC from the other locals and Districts who are a part of this industry. We hope that you get involved when requested by participating in committees and provide valuable input so that the IAMAW through CAMC can address your needs.

Carlos DaCosta
Airline Coordinator
IAMAW Canada