How AI is helping Canada keep some people out of the country. And why there are those who say it’s a problem

“Project Quantum,” as it’s been dubbed, is a largely unknown AI-assisted pilot project that’s been undertaken by the Canada Border Services Agency. It essentially screens air travellers before they take off for Canada. Between its inception in 2019 and the end of last year, Project Quantum referred 13,863 travellers to its overseas liaison officers for further assessments. Given Canada’s unique geography and how it is buffered by the U.S., the new interdiction tool against air travellers further limits asylum seekers’ options. However, Project Quantum is not governed by the federal oversight required under the directive on automated decision-making.