Government of Canada will assist ports...

May 10, 2004

10 May 2004

Government of Canada will assist ports in funding security and modernization programs

The following article is excerpted from the 7 May 2004 on-line edition of “Canadian Transportation & Logistics”.

The Government of Canada announced Friday that it will assist Canada's ports with the cost of modernizing and strengthening their security systems and programs under the Marine Facility Security Contribution Program.

The funding announcement was made by Transport Minister Tony Valeri at the Port of Halifax's Pier 21. The program is a three-year, $115 million commitment to assist ports and port facilities with security enhancements. It forms part of the Government of Canada's National Security Policy announced on April 27, 2004 by Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan….

In compliance with new international security requirements, the Government of Canada has required ports and port facilities to have approved security plans in place and operational by July 1, 2004. Under the new program, ports and marine facilities will be able to apply for funds to assist with new security equipment and programs called for under their security plans. These funds will not only assist participants in finalizing their initial work to meet the basic requirements of their plans, it will also help them to extend and build on these security enhancements in the future….

The National Security Policy proposes to strengthen Canada's marine security by:

-clarifying and strengthening accountability;
-establishing Marine Security Operations Centres;
-increasing the Canadian Forces, RCMP and Canadian Coast Guard's on-water presence, as well as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' aerial surveillance activities;
-enhancing civilian and naval fleet communications;
-pursuing greater marine security co-operation with the United States; and
-strengthening the security of marine ports and facilities.


Topic(s): 
Canadian Economy & Politics
Information Source: 
Canadian News Channel
Document Type: 
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