City of Yellowknife
2 min.read

Santa Claus is cleared for take-off

Arthur C. Green
By Arthur C. Green

Transport Canada is happy to announce that the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, has cleared Santa Claus for take-off as he prepares for this year’s round-the-world flight to deliver presents to millions of children. Once again, Transport Canada officials have inspected Santa’s sleigh and validated his pilot’s license before he takes off on Christmas Eve.

“I am delighted to clear Santa for flight in Canadian airspace to take to the skies safely this Christmas Eve. I want to remind Santa and all Canadians to drive safely in our Canadian winter conditions. I wish everyone safe and happy travels this holiday season.”

The Honourable Marc Garneau   
Minister of Transport

Officials inspected the sleigh navigation and safety systems, harnesses, landing gear, onboard navigation equipment and, of course, Rudolph’s nose. Santa was reminded of the importance of being well-rested before flying, and to do detailed pre-flight checks that include looking for ice buildup on the sleigh and reindeer, and reminded not to be distracted by eating too many Christmas cookies. Now that Santa has passed his medical and flight tests, he is once again ready to take to the skies.

Santa’s team of engineer elves has been working with Transport Canada on an innovative new project. This year, Santa’s sleigh features new driver assistance technology which will make travelling across the world even safer.

Transport Canada has been partnering with experts from government, organizations, industry and academia on this technology as well as additional safe driving innovations such as connected and automated vehicles, and zero-emission vehicles. Learning about Santa’s sleigh driver assistance technology has been a dream for the road safety engineers.

During this holiday season, Minister Garneau and Santa Claus want to remind all drivers of the need to be alert, well-rested and not impaired by alcohol or drugs, including cannabis. Here are tips for staying safe on our roads this season:

  • Secure all passengers and goods in your vehicle. All passengers must be wearing seatbelts, and children secured in the appropriate child car seats.
  • Learn about your vehicle’s features before driving. Not all driver assistance systems work the same, or are named the same way.  Consult sources, such as the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website,
  • Driver assistances technologies do not replace drivers. Systems may not detect all objects or vehicles, and may not work in all road or weather conditions. Stay engaged and focused on driving at all times, even when driver assistance technologies are activated.

You can track Santa and the reindeer on the NORAD Tracks Santa website and on Twitter following the #NORADSanta hashtag.

[email protected]

Twitter.com/artcgreen

Arthur C. Green
Arthur C. Green
Arthur C. Green is from Whitbourne Newfoundland and graduated from the CNA Journalism Program. Arthur also studied Business Marketing and Political Science at Memorial University in Essex England and St. John's Newfoundland. Green has worked as a spot news photographer/journalist with such news organizations as CBC, CBC Radio, NTV, Saltwire and Postmedia in Alberta.

Continue Reading

You may also like



cjcd Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Dene National Assembly in Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ going ahead in September after wildfires

Northwest Territories
The 56th Dene National Assembly is being postponed in support of the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation who are experiencing devastating impacts from wildfires and evacuations since late June. In an announcement issued Friday morning, Dene National Chief George Mackenzie said the assembly is being rescheduled for Sept. 22 to 24 but will still take place in the community of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ (Ft. Simpson), in Treaty 11 Territory.

Dene National Chief calls for Indigenous voices and equity in major projects

Northwest Territories
Dene National Chief George Mackenzie is calling for greater inclusion of Indigenous voices in decision making around major projects in the territory. The Dene National Chief also called for Indigenous equity ownership and revenue-sharing to be made a standard requirement in major projects. The chief added that projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, when “built in genuine partnership with Dene communities,” have found success because they were co-created with the communities’ support

Liidlii Kue Chief advises still unsafe to return following Thursday’s rains

Fire
Liidlii Kue Chief Kele Antoine says that it may be about another week before the evacuation order can be lifted and community members can return. The chief said that following about 30 millimetres of rain on Thursday, crews are continuing to action hotspots and active fire areas of FS016 including the Wildrose area.

Doors of over 25 new homes open in West Point and Łutsël K’é

Northwest Territories
West Point and Łutsël K'é have opened the doors of 26 new homes built through two community-led housing projects. The two housing projects were led by Indigenous governments to address locally identified housing priorities. "Indigenous governments are taking the lead in addressing our housing challenges, and I am encouraged to see Housing NWT working alongside the Lutselk'e Dene First Nation to get these homes to the families who need them," said MLA Richard Edjericon.

N.W.T. community ‘makes hay’ with over 21,000 “participACTIONs” in June

Northwest Territories
Hundreds of community members engaged in over 21,000 “participACTIONs” in Hay River in June. The community was selected as one of 40 finalists from more than 375 across the country in 2026's ParticipACTION Community Challenge. “Community members participated in events ranging from fitness classes to sports programming to family community events such as the Family Party in the Park, Cardboard Boat Races and Asphalt Art," said Courtney Fraser, Hay River's Recreation Programming Supervisor