The five-year project to electronically secure the borders involves immigration, the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency. Federal immigration spokesman Karen Shadd said under the program, applicants will have to provide fingerprints and a photograph as part of their digital visa application.
“When a visa holder arrives at a Canadian port of entry, the officer will verify that the visa holder is the same person as the one to whom the visa was issued,” the department said on its website.
“Biometric verification significantly reduces the chance that one individual could pose as or be mistaken for another individual,” Shadd said.
“This will strengthen security at Canada’s borders.”
The system will bring Canada in line with the U.S. and Britain, countries that use the technology, she said.
“Biometrics will bolster Canada’s existing measures to reduce identity fraud and enhance the safety and security of Canadians,” Shadd said on Wednesday.
The first phase of the program will affect those seeking visitor visas, study or work permits, she said.
“The use of digital fingerprints will help reduce identity fraud and enhance criminality screening,” RCMP Sgt. Greg Cox said in an e-mail. It will “facilitate processing of legitimate applicants and strengthen the safety of Canadians.”
The project is slated to be rolled out from next year to 2013.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Tom Godfrey
Quelle/Source: Toronto Sun, 22.09.2010
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