Restricted Area Identification Card Backgrounder

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, a Crown corporation charged with protecting the public through effective and thorough screening of air travelers and their baggage, is deploying and implementing a new biometric identification system for airport workers called the Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC).

Through the use of biometrics, this card will improve on the restricted area pass (RAP) system currently in place at Canada's major airports and will include 120,000 employees. Biometrics technology is used around the world by security and police organizations to authenticate identity and will play an important role in helping to keep Canada's airports and skies safe.

During the enrollment process, unique biometric signatures, specifically fingerprint and iris, are embedded in each individual's card. To guard against counterfeiting, the fingerprint templates are checked against the central system during enrolment to ensure against duplication with another worker. In addition, each user is assigned a unique numerical identifier that is stored in the individual airport databases as well as the national CATSA database. RAIC cards are granted only to those airport workers for whom Transport Canada has provided clearance at major airports.

Once RAIC deployment is complete, airport workers must confirm their identity via biometrics and the validity of their Transport Canada-issued security clearance prior to accessing the restricted areas at the 29 major airports. This enhances security by ensuring that only the right people are permitted entry.

As an additional security enhancement, the RAIC program works in conjunction with the current non-passenger screening (NPS) program that is conducted on approximately 2,300 airport personnel per day across Canada. The program helps ensure that restricted items are not brought into secure areas.

At the end of March 2006, 28,000 airport workers have been issued a Restricted Area Identity Card.