Only a trained and certified screening officer will view the images. This screening officer is located in a separate room and cannot see you before, during or after the scanning process. In addition, all images are deleted as soon as they are reviewed by the screening officer. They cannot be printed, stored or sent to another location. The screening officer who assists you into and out of the scanner never sees the image the technology produces. Canada’s Privacy Commissioner has reviewed the technology and how it will be used, and is satisfied that all privacy safeguards have been put in place.

The safety and security of all Canadians is of the utmost importance to our government. CATSA has conducted extensive testing of these units and determined that they are effective in offering an additional layer of security for those travelling by air from Canadian airports.

Yes. This technology is used in over a dozen countries around the world.

No. However, priority has been given to passengers travelling to the United States.

Yes. Health Canada has assessed the technical information on this device and concluded that the radio frequency energy emitted by the device is well within Canada’s guidelines for safe human exposure.

For more information, please consult Health Canada.

Passengers who undergo a full body scan will need to remove all outerwear (e.g. coats, sweaters, blazers, hats) and empty all pockets. They will then be asked to enter the scanning unit and stand with their feet apart and their arms raised above their head, fingertips touching.  Low-level radio frequency (RF) energy is then projected over and around the passenger’s body. The RF waves are reflected back from the body and from objects concealed on the body, producing a three-dimensional image that appears on a monitor in a separate location. The image is then analyzed by a trained and certified screening officer. The screening process can take up to a minute; the actual scan takes about five seconds.

No. The scanners CATSA is deploying are not X-rays.

Currently, 31 full-body scanners are deployed in Canadian airports. These are: Toronto Pearson (7 units), Vancouver (4 units), Montreal (4 units), Calgary (2 units), Edmonton (2 units), Ottawa (2 units), Winnipeg (1 unit), Halifax (2 units), Moncton (1 unit), Kelowna (1 unit), Victoria (1 unit), Saskatoon (1 unit), Quebec City (1 unit), London (1 unit) and Regina (1 unit).

L-3 Security and Detection Systems is the manufacturer. L-3 has sold and deployed over 200 systems worldwide and their technology has been approved by the United States Transportation Security Administration. They are deployed in airports, border crossings, correctional facilities, court houses, military checkpoints and commercial applications.  This U.S.-based company was the only qualified supplier on the market at the time the scanners were purchased.

Each unit costs approximately $250,000.

Yes.

CATSA is continuously looking at new technologies and new screening methods to ensure air travel in Canada is as secure as possible. One of the latest procedures involves passenger behaviour observation, where trained personnel watch for people at the airport who are acting suspiciously. CATSA is currently developing this program.

Passengers with a prosthesis or ostomy pouch will not be required to carry a medical certificate or letter from a medical professional. However, to aid in the screening process, it may be helpful to let the screening officer know prior to the start of the scan

Only people who can stand up and are able to raise their hands can be scanned. No wheelchairs, canes, strollers or other equipment are permitted in the unit.

Yes. Health Canada has assessed the technical information on this device and concluded that the radio frequency energy emitted by the device is well within Canada’s guidelines for safe human exposure.

For more information, please consult Health Canada.

Yes.  The low-level radio frequency (RF) energy used in the full body scanner is non-invasive.

Yes.  The low-level radio frequency (RF) energy used in the full body scanner is non-invasive.

Yes.  The low-level radio frequency (RF) energy used in the full body scanner is non-invasive.