The Calgary Airport has a new body scanner and has set it up at the security gate that serves those who are travelling to the U.S.A.

The federal government bought 44 full body screening machines for airports across the country and 14 of the machines are now operating in Canada.

Another 30 scanners will be installed in Canada's airports by this spring.

The scan is able to see through clothing and civil liberties groups say the "near nude" image violates privacy.

Passengers traveling to the United States will have the choice of walking through the screening machine or allowing a physical search of their person.

Each scanner cost $250,000 and the federal government says it might increase airport taxes for U.S. tickets by about $8 to pay for it.