Canada issues proposed regulations for new airport security card
The Restricted Area Identity Card will be issued to 120,000 airport personel at twenty-nine Canadian airports; both fingerprint and iris scanning biometrics to be used; new regulations offer details about deployment, privacy, continuity, and record keeping procedures
Biometrics march north. In an attempt to shore up airport security, the Canandian government announced last week proposed amendments to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations that would impose biometric identification cards for personnel at twenty-nine Canadian airports. The Restricted Area Identity Card — which will replace the restricted area pass (RAP) system currently in place at Canada’s major airports — would be required for flight crews, refuelers, caterers, and other similar positions that demand access to planes and tarmacs. Both fingerprints and iris scans will be involved on the enrollment and authentication ends, and 120,000 total employees are expected to participate
“We are always exploring methods to continuously improve all aspects of aviation security,” said Lawrence Cannon, Canada’s Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Biometric technology is used around the world by security and police organizations to authenticate identity and will play an important role in helping to keep Canada’s airports and skies safe.” Individual airport authorities will retain responsibility for issuing the card and for determining who has access to the restricted areas at their airports.
The proposed amendments include rules relating to: the information to be displayed on the RAIC; the issuing of the RAIC; the protection, handling and destruction of personal information; the activation and deactivation of the RAIC; the integration of access control features into the RAIC; record keeping; business continuity plans; the presentation and surrender of the RAIC; and many other critical concerns.
-read more in this government news release
