Notice

Citizenship and Immigration Canada to develop biometrics field trial

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has contracted with Unisys Canada Inc., an information technology services and solutions company, to develop a system to test the operational impact of using biometrics in CIC’s immigration program.

The field trial is to take place over a six-month period to begin once the required technology is delivered. It will test the impact of introducing fingerprint and facial recognition technologies on CIC operations. The trial will help determine how biometrics could be used to identify people entering Canada and to reduce the potential for identity fraud. It will only involve a limited number of temporary resident visa applicants and refugee claimants. CIC has been consulting with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to protect the personal information of field trial participants.

The European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are also testing or using biometrics to enhance the integrity of their border control systems.