Privacy

The Government of Canada has taken care to ensure Canadians privacy rights are respected under the Passenger Protect Program.

Protecting people's privacy is a core element of the program. For example:

• Discretion must be used when checking ID or denying boarding.
• As per the Identity Screening Regulations, it's a criminal offence to disclose the SPL.
• Information is not shared except in very specific circumstances.
• Only authorized individuals can access the SPL.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada conducted an audit in November 2009 of the Passenger Protect Program. The audit concluded that Transport Canada has:

• Adequate collection controls to protect personal information;
• Acceptable controls for the use of personal information;
• Controls for the retention of personal information; and,
• Mechanisms to ensure that the Specified Persons List is accurate.

A copy of the audit report can be found at the following link.

• http://www.priv.gc.ca/information/pub/ar-vr/ar-vr_ppp_200910_e.cfm

The Privacy Commission noted deficiencies as well, however, Transport Canada responded positively to the recommendations and made proper changes to comply. The Passenger Protect Program has also commited to undertake activities to improve its practice for the enhancement and protection of Canadian's sensitive personal information.