Passenger Protect Program

The Passenger Protect program was implemented on June 18, 2007. The program is an aviation security initiative designed to identify individuals that may pose a threat to transportation and disrupt their ability to cause harm or threaten aviation, adding another layer of security to our aviation system to help address potential threats.

Under the program, airlines must compare passenger's names against a list that is controlled and managed by Transport Canada before a boarding pass is issued.

When an airline finds a possible match with an entry on the list, it must contact Transport Canada, which will then confirm the identity and take action as appropriate.

Should Transport Canada take action, an emergency direction will be issued to the airline and to the individual explaining what action has been taken and why. The individual is provided with information to enable them to apply for reconsideration by the Minister regarding their designation as a specified person with the Office of Reconsideration.

Delays related to the Passenger Protect Program will occur only if a person is checked against the Specified Persons List (SPL).

There are many other reasons for delays at check-in that are not related to the Passenger Protect Program, which may include (but are not limited to) individuals not having proper identification, random airport/airline checks and other lists used by airlines.

In the event the Passenger Protect Program caused a delay for someone that is not a Specified Person, Transport Canada will work directly with the individual to find solutions to prevent future delays when the specific person travels in the future.

While this made-in-Canada program enhances security and respects the needs and realities of the aviation industry, it also ensures that the privacy rights of individuals are protected.