The Canadian privacy commissioner has concerns about what information Canada's proposed ETA system could obtain.
Bookmark 
Print
20 November 2012
Privacy concerns raised over new Canada visa waiver system
Canada's privacy watchdog has written to the government pushing for greater disclosure of the government's plan to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system similar to the US and Australia.
Under the proposed ETA system, announced as part of the latest immigration bill tabled in Parliament, visitors from countries which are already exempt from Canada visa requirements such as the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand would be required to fill out an online form before they are permitted entry to Canada.
The system is similar to those already in place in Australia and the US. However, the US system requires the applicant to enter more personal details than its Australian counterpart, raising some concern in Canada that its system could become intrusive.
Jennifer Stoddart, Canada's privacy commissioner, says further details of the plan need to be disclosed to ensure they are rooted in Canadian law and any information acquired as part of the system is necessary and not abused.
"One of my office’s concerns about the ETA program is its lack of transparency and the degree to which the details of the program are deferred to regulation," said Ms Stoddart.
"Fundamental questions about the ETA program such as which data elements are to be provided to [Citizenship and Immigration Canada], how this information can be used and how long it is retained are not set out in statute as we believe they should be.
"To a large degree, these matters have been shaped behind closed doors, most notably through arrangements with the US rather than through open and public debate."
Ms Stoddart also says officials who will process the information should receive 'specialised privacy training' to ensure any sensitive information is not abused.
The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people make their application to the Canadian Embassy.
