Feedback under section 26.1 of the Preclearance Act, 2016

Under section 26.1 of the Preclearance Act, 2016, travellers may inform the Canadian senior officials of the Preclearance Consultative Group (PCG) of a situation that has arisen relating to: strip searches, monitored bowel movements, x-ray/cavity searches; incidents which occurred in or upon withdrawal from preclearance areas; or officer powers when an offence is suspected.

The PCG is a bi-national committee of senior officials which provides oversight of preclearance operations conducted by the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States in either Canada or the United States.

Please note that this process is only for informing the senior Canadian officials of the PCG with respect to the situations referred to in section 26.1 of the Preclearance Act, 2016. This is not a process whereby you will obtain a response from the Government of Canada. Public Safety Canada will provide this information to the senior Canadian officials of the PCG for statistical analysis and research related to preclearance operations.

Should you wish to receive a direct response from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding any comments or concerns you may have, it is recommended that you directly contact the organization involved. Each organization has its own response and investigative mechanism:

You may wish to inform the PCG of a situation which involved you personally with respect to: strip searches, monitored bowel movements, x-ray/cavity searches or incidents which occurred in or upon withdrawal from preclearance areas or officer powers when an offence is suspected. Please submit feedback using the online form or by direct mail.

Transparency and protection of personal information

Purpose of the collection

Your personal information is being collected for the purpose of informing the Canadian senior officials of the Preclearance Consultative Group (PCG) of any issue that may arise relating to the exercise of authorities by preclearance officers with respect to: strip searches, monitored bowel movements, x-ray or body cavity searches or powers exercised after withdrawal with respect to preclearance operations in Canada. Public Safety Canada will provide this information to the senior Canadian officials of the PCG and may use the information you provide for statistical analysis and research related to preclearance operations.

Participation is voluntary

Your participation in providing this information is voluntary.

Authority to collect personal information

The personal information you provide is collected under the authority of section 26.1 of the Preclearance Act, 2016. Your personal information will be managed and administered in accordance with the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act and any other applicable laws.

Consistent uses and disclosures of your personal information

The information you have provided will be disclosed to the Canadian senior officials of the PCG for the purpose of meeting the requirements under section 26.1 of the Preclearance Act, 2016.

Public Safety Canada may use the information you provide for statistical analysis and research related to preclearance operations.

Your rights

You have the right to the protection of, access to and correction of your personal information, which is described in the standard Personal Information Bank “Public Communications”, Bank Number PSU 914. Instructions for obtaining this information are outlined on the Public Safety Canada Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) website.

Any questions, comments, concerns or complaints you may have regarding Public Safety Canada's handling of your personal information may be directed to our Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator by emailing atip-aiprp@ps-sp.gc.ca, calling 613-949-1676 or writing to ATIP Coordinator, 269 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 0P8.

If you are not satisfied with Public Safety Canada’s response to your privacy concern, you have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding Public Safety Canada’s handling of your personal information.

Submitting Feedback

Complete the online feedback form

Or by regular mail to:

Preclearance
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
269 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P8

Note

In accordance with section 26.1 of the Preclearance Act, 2016, this mechanism allows travellers to submit information about certain preclearance-related searches or interactions with U.S. preclearance officers. If the description of events does not in whole or in part fall into one of these specific categories, all information provided will be deleted or disposed of upon receipt.

Information submitted must be provided in writing and should be limited to a description of a situation outlined above. Information received which is not in writing, or that does not directly describe the event(s) in question (e.g. photographs, medical records, etc.) will be deleted or disposed of upon receipt.

Travellers seeking further action with respect to a particular matter involving a U.S. preclearance officer or Canadian border services officer are advised to consult the mechanisms established by the Canada Border Services Agency or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency for this purpose.

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