16 March 2005

Canada funds port security

The following article is excerpted from the 15 March 2005 edition of “The Journal of Commerce”.

New projects to enhance security at Canadian ports and marine facilities are covered under the first round of funding from the federal government's Marine Security Contribution Program.

The three-year, $115-million program, which was announced in May 2004, will help Canada's ports and marine facilities modernize and strengthen their security systems and programs. This contribution program is part of the $308-million National Security Policy announced in April 2004, which sets out a six-point plan to strengthen marine security across Canada. The funding for this contribution program is, however, in addition to the funding announced in April.

This first round of funding will provide $23.6 million to 69 ports and marine facilities across the country. The funds will be used for security enhancements such as surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, command, control and communications equipment, and training.

Ports and marine facilities will be able to apply for a second round of funding starting in April 2005. …