What we do
The TSB is an independent agency, created in 1990 by an Act of Parliament. Its mandate is to conduct investigations into air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation incidents and accidents in order to advance transportation safety in Canada (see About us and watch a video about the TSB and its work).
The TSB also works internationally in partnership with other countries and organizations dedicated to transportation safety (see International collaboration).
TSB employees have a high degree of job satisfaction because they know that the work they do is crucial to the safety of transportation in Canada and abroad (see Awards and recognition).
Where we work
The TSB's head office is in Gatineau, Quebec, but most of its investigators work from field offices across the country so that they can respond quickly to transportation occurrences anywhere in Canada.
TSB investigators
Highly skilled investigators are deployed to the sites of transportation occurrences (incidents or accidents) to collect information; they do research and analysis to identify the causes of the occurrence and identify risks, and finally prepare detailed reports for publication. Find out more about the investigation process.
TSB investigators come from a variety of professional backgrounds: they are human factor specialists, air traffic controllers, airplane pilots, helicopter pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, marine chief engineers, master mariners, naval architects, rail equipment and infrastructure specialists, locomotive engineers, and certified engineering pipeline specialists.
Investigators are in the occupational groups listed below, all of which have their own qualification standards.
- Human Factors (EC)
- Air Traffic Control (AI-NOP)
- Civil Aviation Inspection (AO-CAI)
- Technical Inspection (TI)
- Engineering (EN-ENG)
The TSB team
A wide range of skilled professionals is needed to support the work of the TSB: engineers, scientists, statisticians, administrators, finance experts, human resource personnel, and specialists in occupational health and safety, learning, information technology, and information management, as well as communications and publishing professionals. If you are in any of these fields, and are looking for a rewarding career, check out our job board—and join us!
Awards and recognition
Transportation Safety Board awards
Each year, the TSB honours the hard work and accomplishments of our outstanding employees during National Public Service Week. They're the ones who have not only gone out of their way to help colleagues, but also provided invaluable leadership on critical TSB projects. The awards are our chance to say thank you to doers, the helpers, and the leaders who inspire us with their passion and their effort.