Canada and US Will Share Information to Fight Foreign Criminals

Canada and the United States will be implementing a new information-sharing system aimed at decreasing the number of foreign criminals and ineligible refugee claimants to both countries. The plan, which is to be fully implemented by next fall, will include the sharing of basic information such as an individual’s date of birth, travel documentation and fingerprints.

Information on Canadian and American citizens or permanent residents would not be shared between the two countries.

According to Alexis Pavlich, a spokesperson for Canadian Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, the information-sharing plan “supports mutual efforts to facilitate legitimate travel and protect our common borders through improved screening of visitors before they enter our countries.”

Addressing questions that have been raised about privacy concerns, Ms. Pavilch responded:

“Privacy protection is a primary consideration for us, and the exchange will comply with all relevant Canadian laws, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to ensure that Canadians’ privacy rights are protected.”

Ultimately, both governments anticipate a decrease in ineligible refugee claimants, crime committed by foreign criminals, and a decrease in detention and removal costs associated with sending criminals home. Instead, with the proper information these individuals will never be permitted entry into Canada or the US. In total, both countries anticipate saving approximately $42 million.