During my co-op semester, I worked for Transport Canada's Civil Aviation Directorate (TCCA). The purpose of TCCA is to oversee the safety, security, and proper governance of Canada's civil aviation sector, which includes domestic flights, training schools, and shipping and logistics.
My role was a Policy Analyst on the Aviation Safety Policy & Intelligence team. Our team was responsible for addressing emerging issues of national concern in safety in Canadian airspace, through policy development and internal/external engagement.
My responsibilities included drafting policy memos and briefs, conducting original research on emerging aviation topics (such as drones/UAVs), and taking part in international engagement, with UN organizations, the US, UK, Australia, and other allied states. My major taskings involved updating the Aeronautics Act to penalize "Unruly Passengers" and assisting in the development of policy positions for integrating 5G, Global Aeronautic Distress & Safety Systems, and Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast systems into Canada's aeronautic ecosystem.
Taking part in the co-op and finding an policy area that you care about, and are able to develop and succeed in is very important. You'll learn a lot about yourself, your working style, your key competencies, and your areas from improvement by doing a co-op, and that is almost irreplaceable. I highly recommend taking it on and giving your utmost effort.
- Isaac Brownlee