Canada's Passenger PROTECT Scheme

Under this program Canada is maintaining a list of specified persons who may pose an immediate threat to aviation security should they attempt to board a flight. It is designed such that carriers will be able to screen passengers against the specified persons list through a secure online system. In addition, beginning on June 18, 2007, air passengers within Canada who are 12 years of age or older must present one piece of government-issued photo identification (ID) that shows name, date of birth and gender or two pieces of government-issued ID - one of which shows name, date of birth and gender - before being allowed onboard an aircraft. Canadians won't need a passport for travel within Canada. Instead they can present a range of government-issued ID to the air carriers including a health card, a birth certificate, a driver's licence and a social insurance card. International passenger travel requirements will remain the same. The measures are designed to allow the air carrier and Transport Canada to rapidly confirm the identity of a passenger who is a possible match with an entry on the specified persons list. The new regulation will be published in the Canada Gazette on May 16th.