Regulations Amending the Secure Air Travel Regulations (SATR)

Enabling Acts

Description

Sections 3(1) and 4 of the SATR require that air carriers verify the identity of each passenger who appears to be 18 years or older prior to boarding a plane. These sections list specific types of physical identification that are acceptable. With advancements in technology, air carriers are looking to invest in digital identification and biometric verification solutions to facilitate the faster and more efficient movement of travelers through the air travel continuum, with many already in the process of developing pilot projects to test this new technology at Canadian airports.

Public Safety Canada (PS) is working in close collaboration with Transport Canada (TC) on the proposed amendments to ensure they align with TC's Air Right Touch Initiative.

Amendments to the SATA are also being considered that would remove gender as an additional piece of air travelers' identity that air carriers would be required to provide to the Government of Canada. The requirement under Section 4 of the SATA to know the gender of an air traveler is no longer aligned with Canada's current passport requirements where individuals may choose "X". Furthermore, removing the requirement would reduce potential stigmatization and discrimination of 2SLGBTQI+ air travelers, who can currently be asked to provide more documentation to validate their identity.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

These amendments would primarily impact air carriers, TC and travelers using Canadian airports.

The proposed amendments will eliminate redundant ID requirements for air carriers and encourage them to invest in new innovative technologies. Canadians can expect shorter wait times and smoother boarding, as well as less reliance on manual ID checks that can be prone to human error or unconscious bias. Together, these changes will build a stronger and more modern air travel system, while protecting Canadians from threats.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Flights that depart from Canadian aerodromes and that are conducted by air carriers, are subject to Canadian Aviation Regulations.

This proposal is aligned with the Government of Canada's broader Red Tape Reduction efforts to streamline processes and eliminate duplicated functions.

Consultations

Public Safety, under the legislative authority of SATA and SATR, will be working with TC to lead on drafting the amendments and all the relevant submissions.

Public Safety will also consult with other partners, including the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, to ensure that the privacy and fairness dimensions are fully addressed. The goal is to finalize the regulatory language and complete the internal review process by the end of 2025.

Further information

N/A

Departmental contact information

Public Safety Canada

Emily Fairbairn
Manager, Counter Terrorism Programs
emily.fairbairn@ps-sp.gc.ca

Transport Canada

Nicholas Gonzalez
Chief, Aviation Security Policy
nicholas.gonzalez@tc.gc.ca

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