Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Biometric Security

Canada Border Services Agency: Foreign travellers from nearly 30 countries are already required to undergo biometric security checks, according to CTV. But as CTV News reported on Wednesday, the policy change will see an additional 148 nations added to the list. At an event in Toronto on Thursday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced more than $300 million over five years to expand the use of biometric screening at Canadian borders. Once the updated laws and regulations are in effect, Harper said biometric screening will be expanded to: All foreign nationals, excluding U.S. citizens, who are applying for a work or study permit Those seeking temporary or permanent residency in Canada The initiative will be rolled out jointly by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency, and Shared Services Canada. This financing will greatly increase our capacity to verify of all foreign travellers entering Canada on a visa, Harper said. It is expected to be in place by 2018-2019. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.