Government to consult on passenger screening program

The federal government announced today the launch of public consultations on the implementation of air passenger information provisions contained in the Public Safety Act, 2002. Under the proposed "Passenger Protect" 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. A similar program in the US has come under fire for targeting innocent travellers.