Canadian immigration minister defends new ETA system over privacy concerns

The new ETA system was proposed last month as part of the latest Canadian immigration tabled in parliament. The system, similar to those already in place in Australia and the US, would require visitors from countries which don't require a Canada visa - most of Europe, Australia and New Zealand - to fill out an online form before travelling.

The system is intended to expedite the process for the vast majority of travellers while weeding out certain ineligible visitors such as failed refugee claimants and criminals and others on no-fly lists. The vast majority of applicants are expected to receive approval almost immediately but follow up interviews are expected to be available to provide further evidence in the event of a rejection.

However, Jennifer Stoddart, Canada's privacy commissioner, raised concerns earlier this week that the new system could intrude on applicants' privacy, asking for invasive information regarding their sexual health, substance abuse history and physical and mental health details.

Ms Stoddart's concerns stem from the American system which is thought to be the blueprint for the Canadian system when it is implemented in 2015. The American ESTA system has been criticised before for asking for overly obtrusive and seemingly irrelevant information.

While the minister dismissed Ms Stoddart's claims, he added that the system would not take security lightly either.

"We have no intent to ask the same sorts of questions," said Mr Kenney. "But listen, we're talking about foreigners not Canadians. Foreigners who want the privilege to come to Canada and it's their decision to provide the information."

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The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people make their application to the Canadian Embassy.