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Home   Newsroom 2005 News releases (archive) 2005-08-05: Air passenger assessment
Ottawa, August 5, 2005 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan, along with Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today announced that the Government of Canada will conduct stakeholder consultations over the summer and fall on the implementation of air passenger information provisions contained in the Public Safety Act, 2002. A feasibility study will also be commissioned to examine how new technology can be used to enhance passenger assessment in Canada. “The Government of Canada is committed to moving ahead with its security agenda and initiatives tied to the safety and security of Canadians,” said Minister McLellan. “We are equally committed to moving forward in a balanced and measured way, to develop a made-in-Canada approach that will further enhance aviation security as well as the safety of Canadians.” “There are complex issues surrounding the collection and use of air passenger information to strengthen the security of our aviation system,” said Mr. Lapierre. “We will take these issues into consideration as we develop a passenger assessment program that enhances security, respects the needs and realities of the aviation industry and ensures that the privacy rights of Canadians are protected.” The Public Safety Act, 2002 amended the Aeronautics Act to enhance the ability of the federal government to provide a secure environment for air travel. Under the Aeronautics Act, the Government of Canada has the authority to request and use passenger information for transportation security and national security purposes. In addition, Budget 2005 allocated $16 million over five years for the assessment and development of systems to collect information about air travellers for national and transportation security purposes. Beginning in August 2005, Transport Canada will consult with the Privacy Commissioner, airlines and other stakeholders on the implementation of a passenger assessment program, known as Passenger Protect. Under the program, the Government of Canada will create a list of individuals who pose an immediate threat to aviation security and who will be prevented from boarding aircraft. The program, targeted for implementation in 2006, will lay the foundation for future passenger assessment initiatives and allow airlines to provide information on individuals on this list to the federal government. Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada will commission an independent feasibility study on an automated passenger assessment system that would also further enhance transportation security and national security. The study will include consultation with stakeholders and provide recommendations for implementation. It is expected to be completed by fall 2005. The Public Safety Act, 2002, which received royal assent in May 2004, improves the federal framework for public safety and protection and is part of the Government of Canada’s broader Anti-Terrorism Plan. See also:
For more information: Alex Swann
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863 Media Relations
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
(613) 991-0657 Irène Marcheterre
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport
(613) 991-0700 Vanessa Vermette
Communications
Transport Canada
(613) 993-0055
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