The federal government is currently implementing a new Canadian exit information system to collect basic biographical data (full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, travel document type / number and issuing authority) from travellers leaving the country.
Background
Canada was the only member of the Five Eyes (an intelligence alliance consisting of the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada) that did not record exit data on its citizens upon departure in the recent past. Since 2011, the Governments of Canada and the USA are working together on the entry/exit initiative under the Beyond the Border Action Plan.
On September 18, 2017, Mr. Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety stated on Bill C-21, An Act to amend the Customs Act in the House of Commons as follows:
It would likely come as a surprise to most Canadians that basic exit information is not collected already. We do, of course, take careful note of people arriving in Canada, but until now, we have only collected exit data on foreign nationals and permanent residents leaving the country. By contrast, most other countries keep track of who leaves as well as who arrives. We need to address this security loophole and in effect catch up to the rest of the world.
Statement by Raloh Goodale, Minister of Public Safety
Canadian Exit Information Legislation
Since December 13, 2018, the newly passed Canadian exit information legislation aligned Canada with its allies and international partners, including the European Union, who have exit information systems in place.
Effective June 11, 2019, the Canadian Exit Information Regulations empower the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to create exit records on all individuals leaving Canada by land. An exit record contains passport biodata along with date, time and location of departure. The complete travel history report will help the Government of Canada to decide on federal issues relating to border management, law enforcement, national security, citizenship, immigration, and social services.
Associated regulations for international travel by air are expected to come into force in summer 2020. Once implemented, CBSA will monitor departures by reviewing electronic passenger manifests (biodata, date/time/location of exits as well as flight information) provided by airlines.
Read more about the entry/exit initiative on the CBSA’s website.
Disclaimer
Information provided in this article does not constitute immigration advice. Only authorised representatives are allowed to assist applicants with immigration and citizenship services for a fee. In addition, immigration laws, regulations, and policies are changing constantly.
If you need help with the assessment of your case, then obtain sound advice from Mrs. Katharina Kontaxis, RCIC. Only with a proper case strategy can you reach your goal of Canadian permanent residence or citizenship.
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Sources
https://openparliament.ca/debates/2017/9/18/ralph-goodale-1/only/
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/btb-pdf/ebsiip-asfipi-eng.html
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/btb-pdf/eeair-esaerien-eng.html
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/agency-agence/reports-rapports/pia-efvp/atip-aiprp/thr-rav-eng.html
