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Canada's long-delayed defense white paper is due for release in June. It will call for a more active military role and a maritime strategy reliant on ten new nuclear-powered attack submarines and six more Lockheed P-3C antisubmarine patrol aircraft. The white paper will also direct upgrading of military transport aircraft. It is the first white paper issued since 1971.

Current technologies in advanced forms will shape the future air traffic management system and are likely to include the artificial satellite Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) as a radar substitute in sparsely populated and developing regions of the world. This was one of many messages taken from the 11-day 11th Air Navigation Conference sponsored by the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal, Quebec that concluded on October 3. One technical paper from Australia described ADS-B operational trials in that country and its plans to install 20 ADS-B ground stations across non-radar areas for coverage at and above FL300.

The article reports on a paper, Unbridling Canada, issued by the Canadian Airports Council, which asks Transport Canada for observer status at negotiations. It indicates the administration's willingness to pursue U.S.-style Open Skies agreements, while encouraging competition and expanded international services. The council criticizes what it calls the government's preoccupation with the interests of airlines at the expense of communities and other stakeholders.