UPDATE – Federal: Member feedback overall positive on Transport Canada's new virtual audit process

The CPA asked for your feedback to provide your experience with Transport Canada's virtual audit process (see previous story). The CPA has compiled responses received to date from members who have experienced this new process. 

TDG documentation is the key focus of these audits. TC is requesting scanned copies of training documents, properly formatted TDG transportation paperwork, and documented archives of shipping paperwork, etc. 

Most feedback was generally positive, with members indicating that the regulators were providing thorough explanations of the process. For example, one member wrote that his inspector provided leeway in the timeline requirements for information requested regarding an unmanned location during a virtual audit. This aligns with Transport Canada’s assurance to industry early in the creation of the audit process that delays due to COVID-19 would be allowed for requested information. 

However, some members indicated a lack of consistency with what the inspectors were asking, as well as inconsistent advice on how to fix any identified issues. For example, one member had indicated that last year they were told by TC to remove information on their form, but after being audited this year, were advised they were missing the very information they were told to remove in the previous audit.

Overall, industry feedback is positive, and all indications point towards TC adoption of this new virtual procedure as a more permanent component of the TDG inspection procedures for low-risk locations.