A little-known scheme to track travellers through Toronto's Pearson airport resulted in what the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) identified as “privacy risks,” says Blacklock's Reporter..“Privacy risks and their proposed mitigating measures were identified,” the CBSA wrote in an Inquiry Of Ministry tabled in the Commons..“Recommendations and mitigation strategies were put in place.”.Risks were uncovered with the so-called “Chain of Trust” program developed over three years at an undisclosed cost. Chain of Trust would see users of computer chip-embedded passports download a federal app to forward photos, names, birth dates, passport numbers and travel itineraries 72 hours prior to departure by air..A total 121 Air Canada crew volunteered to test the program in a pilot project at Pearson in March, September, and November last year..“Personal data elements are electronically extracted,” wrote staff..“As part of the Agency’s modernization efforts the Chain of Trust pilot is experimenting with touchless document submission and processing to make Customs clearance more convenient and efficient for both travellers and the Canada Border Services Agency.".Managers “addressed privacy issues in advance to alleviate Office of the Privacy Commissioner concerns,” wrote staff..The CBSA in a public Executive Summary called the program an electronic “self-service option” to eliminate airport lineups..“The Agency is moving toward a risk based compliance model using technology and intelligence to provide the information needed to expedite the flow of legitimate goods and people,” wrote staff..An estimated 22.9 million Canadians hold passports. The number of drivers and air passengers crossing the border averages 300,000 a day, by official estimate..Cabinet in 2019 approved Exit Information Regulations that for the first time would track Canadians who leave the country using biometric passports. The regulations are to take effect in 2028..The CBSA proposed to compile data to catch tax evaders, Employment Insurance cheats and ineligible Old Age Security claimants..“Exit information will support ongoing investigations led by the Department of Employment and the Canada Revenue Agency,” cabinet wrote in a legal notice at the time..Subsequent 2021 research by the CBSA found few Canadians (26%) said they were “very comfortable” with having federal agents collect their travel histories. Asked, “To what extent do you feel comfortable with more personal information being collected by the Agency in order to facilitate a smoother border crossing?,” a total 32% opposed it..Opposition was highest in Québec (36%) followed by respondents in British Columbia (34%), Ontario (32%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (31%), Atlantic Canada (29%) and Alberta (26%.)
