What is the No-Fly List / Passenger Protect Program?

Since 2001, the Canadian federal government has undertaken a startling number of programs and initiatives requiring the collection and sharing of vast amounts of previously uncollected personal information of Canadians. Many of these programs have been shown to have inaccuracies in the data resulting in demonstrably arbitrary decision-making.

The most recognizable program is the Passenger Protect Program (PPP), also commonly known as the No-Fly List. Through the PPP/No-Fly List, the Minister of Transport can deny boarding to any person the Minister believes poses an immediate threat to aviation security.

Guidelines adopted by Transport Canada require that a person be added to the list if their actions lead to a determination that, should they be permitted to board an aircraft, the individual may pose an immediate threat to aviation security.

According to the PPP/No-Fly List information published by Transport Canada, the following types of individuals may be found to pose an immediate threat to aviation security:

An individual who is or has been involved in a terrorist group and who, it can reasonably be suspected, will endanger the security of any aircraft or aerodrome or the safety of the public, passengers or crew members
An individual who has been convicted of one or more serious and life-threatening crimes against aviation security
An individual who has been convicted of one or more serious and life-threatening offences and who may attack or harm an air carrier, passengers or crew members

Essentially, the PPP/No-Fly List is the Ministry of Transport preparing a list of names of individuals who are believed to pose an immediate threat if they board an aircraft. All airlines must screen passengers over 12 before boarding by comparing their identification documents with the names on the list.

The list is given to all airlines operating in Canada to be used to screen all passengers at the check-in counter before they board their flight. When the airline employee at check-in finds that a passenger’s name, date of birth, and gender match with someone on the list, the airline is required to immediately inform Transport Canada. If the name of the individual is a match with someone on the list, the individual will not be able to print a boarding pass from the internet or at a kiosk and will be directed to a check-in counter. The Transport Canada officer who receives the call is required to verify the information with the airline and decide whether to issue an emergency direction that the individual poses an immediate threat to aviation security and should not be allowed to board the flight. For more information, see the Passenger Protect Program.

If the Transport Canada officer decides to issue the emergency direction, the officer informs the airline that the person is not allowed to board the plane. The officer also notifies the RCMP and local police. The airline then informs the person that the emergency direction has been issued. The airline may follow its own security procedures as well.

When the individual is barred from boarding the flight, they are given contact information for Transport Canada’s Office of Reconsideration, which receives applications from people wanting to have their names removed from the list. The government says that the No-Fly List is reviewed and refreshed at least every thirty days.

Updated 2024.07. 27