Summary of the Horizontal Evaluation of the Project to Enhance the Passenger Protect Program

About the Program

The Passenger Protect Program (PPP) is an aviation security program that was originally launched in 2007. While initially established based on authorities in the Aeronautics Act, the Secure Air Travel Act (SATA) came into force in 2015 and now provides the legislative framework for the PPP. Through the PPP, individuals who may pose a threat to aviation security, or who may travel by air to commit a terrorist act, can be prevented from boarding a plane or may be required to undergo additional security screening.

In 2019, the Government of Canada committed to enhancing the PPP with a centralized screening solution, as well as a redress system known as the Canadian Travel Number (CTN). Since then, Public Safety Canada (PS), Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada (TC) and Shared Services Canada have been working collaboratively to develop and launch enhancements to the PPP. 

What We Examined

The purpose of this evaluation was to examine the implementation of the project to enhance the PPP, including the centralized screening solution, the CTN and the Passenger Protect Program Operations Centre (PPOC). The evaluation also examined the impact of COVID-19 on the project, the effect of the project components on Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) factors, and the plans in place to transition the enhancements made to the PPP from the project phase to the operational phase. The evaluation covered the years from the launch of the project in 2019 to March 2022. Relevant documents produced between April and October 2022 were also included to ensure up to date performance data and relevant significant developments were included.

Evaluation Findings

Recommendations

The Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, National and Cyber Security, PS should:

  1. Work with partner departments to conduct a review of roles and responsibilities, program governance and resources within a year of the completion of the project, in order to ensure sustainability of the program following the addition of the enhancements.
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