ArriveCAN Mobile Application
Date: April 29, 2020
Classification: Unclassified
Branch / Agency: ISTB/CBSA
Issue:
The ArriveCAN mobile application will be launched nationally, effective today.
Proposed Response:
- The CBSA and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have co-created the ArriveCAN mobile application to support the Government of Canada’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.
- The CBSA and PHAC have been testing this application at select ports of entry since April 22, and is now able to launch the ArriveCAN app nationally.
- The ArriveCan App is simply an alternative to PHAC’s online or paper COVID-19 contact tracing form.
- This electronic collection method allows travellers to submit their information quickly, easily and securely upon arrival in Canada, and also limits physical contact between travellers, airline officials, airport authority staff, PHAC officers and CBSA’s Border Services Officers.
- Additionally, the ArriveCan app will enable faster border processing, and we encourage travellers to use it.
- The personal information collected by the CBSA, whether it be through the paper form, the online form, or the App, is provided to PHAC for their enforcement of the Quarantine Act.
- Information can be shared (by PHAC) with provinces and territories, as well as with law enforcement, to monitor and enforce compliance with the traveller’s requirement to quarantine or isolate.
If pressed:
The App is not capable of geolocating or tracking individuals; it is simply an app to facilitate completion of the PHAC form, electronically.
Background:
Effective today, ports of entry are taking the following steps to launch and promote the ArriveCAN mobile application:
In air mode:
- Posters will be displayed leading up to, and in the area where travellers would normally fill out the PHAC contact tracing form. Handouts will also be available in these areas.
- Available screens will have promotional content posted.
- Provide the security token to travellers to complete the submission process ensuring data integrity.
In land mode:
- Border Services Officers (BSO) will provide information on the application to travellers at the same time they distribute the PHAC handout on mandatory quarantine.
- Promotional posters will be displayed.
- Print and provide PDF with security token in each PIL booth for officers to show to travellers if they have completed the information collection piece.
Travellers can use their personal electronic device to download the application and enter the requested personal information. For travellers who provide their personal contact information on the ArriveCAN App, the traveller is required to show the completion screen to the BSO. If the traveller arrives at the location where they are required to show the verification screen, and requests the security token, the BSO will provide it to the traveller and allow them to complete the submission.
The ArriveCAN App cannot be used to track people’s location automatically through their phone or via GPS, nor is it a surveillance tool. The protection of Canadians’ information is a priority for the Government of Canada, and any tool used to collect personal information undergoes a rigorous privacy assessment
The ArriveCan App also supports Canada’s digital strategy for services to Canadians and enhances efforts to go green. The ArriveCan App is currently available in Google Play or the Apple Store. It is also available as a web application that can be accessed through any laptop or desktop computer browser
Contacts:
Prepared by: Carol Sabourin, Executive Director, ISTB, [REDACTED]
Approved by: Minh Doan, Vice-President, ISTB, [REDACTED]
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