Location: National
Key messages:
- Transport Canada (TC) is committed to the promotion of a safe, secure, and efficient air transportation system in Canada.
- The air sector plays a crucial role in connecting Canadians across the country and to the world, and helps support Canada’s economy.
- TC is continuously working to improve the security screening process to ensure travellers have a smooth and efficient screening experience, while maintaining the highest standards of security to keep Canadians safe.
- The Department is collaborating with key stakeholders to explore how best to modernize the air travel journey. This involves moving from a manual, paper-based passenger identity and travel information verification process to an integrated, digital model.
- New modernization initiatives will lead to a smoother, more efficient security screening process for these travelers, and contribute to less congestion at select airports over time.
- The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) received funding in 2023 to improve wait-time-service-levels, particularly at peak periods, without compromising aviation security.
Summary of Issue / Background:
- Recent challenges experienced by the air transportation sector, largely brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, have emphasized the need for further action and collaboration to ensure a strong recovery.
- Budget 2023 included $1.8 billion over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the CATSA to maintain and increase its level of service, improve screening wait times, and strengthen security measures at airports.
Verified Traveller
- On May 23, 2023, the Minister of Transport announced that the CATSA was launching a new Verified Traveller Program to provide a faster and more efficient screening experience for eligible travellers at select airports across Canada. This program replaced the previous Trusted Traveller Program.
- The new Verified Traveller Program eases congestion over time, as use of dedicated lines grows. Eligible travellers are provided select benefits at security screening checkpoints, such as keeping laptops, large electronics and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on, and keeping their shoes, belt and light jacket on.
- Eligible travellers include:
- Members of NEXUS and Global Entry;
- Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and American military, including reservists, with valid ID;
- Canadian aircrew and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards;
- International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.
- Through Verified Traveller, children who are 17 years of age and younger, and adults who are 75 years of age and older, can accompany verified travellers through security, provided they are on the same reservation.
- As of June 21, 2023, dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines have been available at select domestic and international checkpoints in the following airports:
- Calgary International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Toronto-Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
- Winnipeg James Armstrong International Airport
- By August 23, 2023, the CATSA will launch a pilot to test the feasibility of having dedicated lines open at the Ottawa and Halifax international airports during peak periods, while maintaining overall service standards for these checkpoints.
Air Right Touch
- TC is proceeding with measures to strengthen and support air passenger rights and services, including the implementation of the Air Right Touch initiative. This will provide a more integrated and seamless air travel experience for air travellers.
- Passengers currently use a manual, paper-based process to access each checkpoint. The Air Right Touch Initiative will give passengers the option of using a self-serve, automated, integrated, and touchless seamless travel experience.
- The Air Right Touch initiative is bringing together operators within the air travel system, including airports, airlines, the CATSA, and the Canadian Border Services Agency, to use digital systems to share passenger information.
- The initiative will ensure passengers do not need to present multiple documents as they access each airport touchpoint, and allow the verification of a passenger’s identity at the beginning of their airport journey (at home or at check-in) rather than at the end (boarding gate). It will also automate how we verify photo IDs by using facial recognition technology at airports.