Department of Transportation

The Canadian Department of Transport was established on 2 November 1936 through the merger of the Department of Marine, Department of Railways and Canals, and the Civil Aviation Branch of the Department of National Defense. It had a wide span of operational responsibilities. In addition to its railway and civil aviation responsibilities, the Department of Transport was responsible for the coasts including the management of lighthouses, management of harbours, inspection of steamboats, and registration of shipping. A 1994 federal government reorganization created Transport Canada, a department focused on policy and regulation rather that transportation operation. The Coast Guard was transferred to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans at the time.