Privacy Impact Assessments

High-Risk Traveller Identification Initiative

About the Initiative

The High-Risk Traveller Identification (HRTI) initiative stems from the Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) program and provides Canada and the United States with a clear framework in which API/PNR information will be shared between both countries. The objective of this initiative is to deter terrorism or terrorism-related crimes, or other serious crimes such as the smuggling or trafficking of drugs and people.

Getting the Right Information at the Right Time

Terrorism and other serious crimes are an international problem. CSBA officers need to receive passenger information ahead of time in order to identify potential threats before they enter Canada. By working in partnership and sharing critical information, both Canada and the U.S. are working together toward a common goal — the safety and security of its citizens.

Protecting Personal Privacy

While getting the right information at the right time is an essential element in the fight against terrorism and other serious crimes, the CSBA equally respects the fundamental right to privacy and is vigilant in ensuring that the proper privacy safeguards are in place.

A Privacy Impact Assessment was undertaken on the HRTI initiative to ensure privacy issues were identified and resolved or mitigated.

Principal privacy issues with regards to the HRTI initiative are reflected and addressed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The MOU clearly sets out each country's responsibilities with respect to personal data and provides limitations on the disclosure and retention period of API/PNR data.