There are over 100,000 people working in airports, and a very large number working in ports. Each staff member must get security clearance from CSIS and the RCMP. Transport Canada, CSIS and the RCMP assess the individual. If he or she seems fine, a security clearance is issued. This clearance allows the employee to obtain a biometric airport pass containing an iris scan and fingerprints. Once an employee receives an airport access card he or she may access restricted areas.
Of course, it may occur that, over the five-year period, certain people who seemed not to pose any threat at the time of their assessment could go over the wrong side. In this case their security clearance would have to be revoked or suspended. If an investigation is underway, the security clearance is suspended and their access cards are suspended by the airport. The airport issues the access card and we grant the security clearance. In this case, the individuals concerned no longer have access cards.