No. H033/02
For release March 26, 2002

CANADIAN AND U.S. AUTHORITIES
AGREE TO ENHANCED SECURITY SCREENING
PROCEDURES FOR SHIPS ENTERING
ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY-GREAT LAKES

ST. CATHARINES (Ontario) — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that enhanced security screening procedures for ships entering the St. Lawrence Seaway-Great Lakes system – introduced in the aftermath of September 11 – have been updated and agreed to by Canadian and U.S. authorities. The enhanced security screening procedures will be in effect for the 2002 shipping season which opened today.

Speaking today in St. Catharines, Ontario, at a ceremony marking the official opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway's 2002 navigation season, Mr. Collenette said, "The Canadian and U.S. governments and Seaway authorities have been working together to enhance marine security and share intelligence on ships entering the Seaway and Great Lakes. The updated procedures now in effect will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure they reflect new and emerging realities."

The enhanced security screening procedures include pre-screening of foreign ships before they arrive in the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes system and onboard inspections of ships prior to proceeding to port. Boarding protocols have also been refined to improve response to any threats before ships arrive at port.

Transport Canada, in conjunction with agencies such as National Defence, the RCMP and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, reviews the level of threat and risk for all sectors of transportation. Should the need for enhanced security or other responses be identified, the appropriate action will be taken.

On marine security in particular, the Government of Canada allocated $60 million in the December 2001 budget for measures to protect ports and other critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks and to increase intelligence-gathering capabilities to screen for potential terrorists, as well as weapons and explosives.

Immediately following September 11, the Government of Canada formed an Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group with representation from a broad number of departments. The Interdepartmental Working Group is holding ongoing discussions to review all aspects of marine and port security, and has proposed ways to improve security, including the updated procedures announced today.

In addition, the federal government has formed regional working groups to coordinate security efforts on the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic coasts.

Mr. Collenette noted that numerous actions have also been taken by the port authorities to enhance the security of Canadian ports. These actions include increased security patrols and surveillance, and liaison with local police and U.S. authorities.

- 30 -

Contact:

Anthony Polci
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and speeches at  apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.