GETTING IT SORTED No fly list needs a new system

Posted on 05/11/2016 | About Canada

Canada and the United States have set up a working group to help sort out errors of identity on no-fly lists. However, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says Canada needs an entirely new computer system to completely solve the problem of people - including youngsters - being delayed at airports due to false matches.

Goodale says the bilateral Redress Working Group provides a means for government officials to communicate and will help ensure availability of the most accurate information. 

He says it will protect the shared transportation and national security interests of both countries, while minimizing headaches for the travelling public. But Goodale acknowledged it's a first step because, unlike the standalone US system, Canada's no-fly list database “was designed to sort of piggyback” on to airline computers. 

That means it's more difficult to clear up misunderstandings. Dozens of Canadian youngsters have experienced unnerving airport delays because their names appeared to match those on a security list.