OTTAWA -- 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:
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving Forward with Airline Passenger
Assessment Provisions of the Public Safety
Act, 2002
Backgrounder: Implementation of the Public
Safety Act, 2002
- 30 -
Contacts:
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
