Minister of Transport clears Santa Claus for travel in Canadian airspace

December 22, 2023               Ottawa             Transport Canada

Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced that the North Pole’s most famous resident, along with his crew of nine reindeers have passed a strict certification and inspection process. They are now cleared for travel in Canadian airspace.

Earlier this month, Minister Rodriguez received a phone call from the Prime Minister, reminding him of his duties overseeing the efficiency of Canada’s supply chains and clearing Santa for travel, ensuring children across Canada get their gifts on time. And with a zero-emission sleigh, Santa’s crew are helping Canada achieve its net-zero and climate targets.

As is required every year, the minister personally reviews all of Santa’s paperwork and checks it twice. In turn, Santa shared a copy of his flight plan, his pre-flight checklist (although not a copy of the naughty/nice list) and confirmed he has had enough rest before the long flight ahead.

Given Santa’s role in the Christmas present supply chain, each year Transport Canada inspectors travel to the North Pole to take a close look at Santa’s sleigh and its safety systems. That includes the landing gear, de-icing systems, and navigation equipment. This year, inspectors also checked the jingle volume of the sleighbells and that Rudolph’s nose is operating at maximum brightness!

Transport Canada wishes all Canadians a safe and happy holiday season and would like to remind passengers travelling by non-sleigh to arrive early at airports and train stations, to follow all recommended safety practices, and to be kind to those around you.