Spy Watchdog Calls for More Information on Border Agency's Air Traveller Targeting

Spy Watchdog Urges Increased Transparency on Border Agency’s Targeting of Air Travelers

November 30, 2023 TruthUSA

The Canadian border agency is being urged by the national spy watchdog to improve its documentation process for selecting air passengers for additional scrutiny.

The agency’s targeting program uses pre-arrival risk assessments to identify inbound air travelers who may not be eligible to enter Canada.

When targeting passengers, the border agency begins by examining information provided by commercial air carriers, such as age, sex, national or ethnic origin, and more.

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency found that the border agency uses information and intelligence from various sources to determine which data elements are indicators of risk.

In a report released at the end of November, the intelligence watchdog mentioned that the border agency has the legal authority to conduct this targeting of air passengers.

However, the watchdog also identified deficiencies in the border agency’s documentation of its program activities, making it challenging to ensure that all decisions comply with legal and regulatory restrictions.