Yes, I will. I'll introduce who is here with me today.
On my far right is Kristina Namiesniowski, the associate deputy minister for strategic policy in the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. On my immediate right is Laureen Kinney, director general, aviation security, with Transport Canada. On my left is Chief Superintendent Larry Tremblay, director general, national security operations, with the RCMP.
I want to thank you for providing us the opportunity to speak to you today about the passenger protect program.
Since the December 25, 2009, incident that confirmed the continuing terrorist interest in targeting passenger flights, Canada, like our international partners, has been reviewing its aviation security programs. The prevailing approach to aviation security used in Canada, the United States, Australia, and other countries involves the use of multiple layers, creating a robust system of defence against threats. As international partners strengthen existing security measures or develop new technologies and passenger assessment systems, it's important for Canada to keep pace with its international partners so that we are not a weak link and the global system remains strong. In this environment, we've continued to work to improve the passenger protect program and learn from our experience operating the program over the last three years.
The passenger protect program was established in June 2007 as a mechanism for preventing persons who pose an immediate threat to aviation security from boarding a flight. The program was designed after extensive consultation with stakeholders, including valuable input from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. The program complements other layers of our system, including the physical screening of passengers and their bags, and the passenger protect program is targeted specifically on our core mandate, as its scope is focused on aviation security.
The Passenger Protect Program and the supporting Identity Screening Regulations involve a partnership between government agencies and air carriers. To briefly describe the program, Transport Canada, using information from the RCMP and CSIS, provides recommendations to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities concerning individuals who may pose an immediate threat to a flight should they be permitted to board.
The list of these individuals who pose a threat, called the Specified Persons List, contains the name, date of birth and gender of each specified person, and is provided to air carriers. Under the Identity Screening Regulations, air carriers are required to check passengers against the Specified Persons List, prior to issuing the boarding pass. When a passenger's name, date of birth and gender match with an entry on the Specified Persons List, the airline contacts the Transport Canada Operations Centre, which is open 24/7.
An officer on duty will validate the match, make a decision on whether an emergency direction is required to prohibit the person from boarding the aircraft, or take any action required to ensure that aviation security is maintained.
Concerns about false positives, mistaken identity, and long delays were raised to the department before we implemented the program. These have not become issues. The procedures built into the program enable efficient resolution of airline calls about potential matches, leading to minimal delays.
The department verifies reports of delays to determine whether they are program-related. We have had only one instance where delays were due to the program, and we have worked with the individual to facilitate future travel.
Recourse for an individual denied boarding is available through the Transport Canada Office of Reconsideration. This office engages independent advisors to review the case and makes a recommendation to the minister on whether the original listing decision should be reconsidered. Individuals may also lodge complaints with other bodies, such as the Security Intelligence Review Committee and the Commission for Public Complaints against the RCMP. They may also apply to the Federal Court for a judicial review.
With any new program questions and challenges are not unexpected. These challenges, such as the case under judicial review, may be useful in determining ways of strengthening the program.
We have taken a number of steps to improve the program since its inception. For example, we amended the Identity Screening Regulations in September 2008, following consultation with stakeholders.
We removed the need for passengers who appear to be under 18 years of age to present identification. This amendment was based on a careful assessment of the regulations, taking into account the low risk persons younger than 18 represent, the difficulty in obtaining the required type of identification, and the potential for limiting mobility for domestic flights within Canada when the proper identification is not available.
Requirements were also changed regarding identification documents used at the boarding gate, facilitating boarding procedures. We strengthened the program by incorporating into regulations elements that were previously included in a memorandum of understanding entered into with each air carrier in the program. These include regulatory obligations on air carriers related to the appropriate use, access, and disclosure of information provided to them by Transport Canada in relation to the program. We also dealt with potential issues of non-compliance through amendments that allow Transport Canada's inspectors to issue monetary penalties to carriers for certain infractions against the Identity Screening Regulations.
The passenger protect program remains an important element of Canada's aviation security program and a key factor in maintaining our credibility in the area of passenger assessment. We will continue to look for ways to improve this security program, ensure the safety and security of passengers, and maintain the efficiency and competitiveness of Canada's aviation industry.
We would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
