No. H151/06
For release November 16, 2006

CANADA’S NEW GOVERNMENT INVESTS $42 MILLION
FOR MARINE SECURITY PROJECTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

MONTREAL - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that 386 projects aimed at enhancing security at Canadian ports and marine facilities will receive funding under the Marine Security Contribution Program, and that Transport Canada is now accepting applications under the program’s next round of funding.

This round of funding will provide up to $42 million to 101 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.

"Security is important to Canada’s New Government," said Minister Cannon. "We are taking steps to address priority security needs in our transportation system to help ensure it remains secure and efficient. This funding will give ports and marine facilities the opportunity to make improvements to security, so they can be better equipped to address potential terrorist threats."

The five-year, $115-million program is helping Canada’s ports and marine facilities to modernize and strengthen their security systems and programs, helping them meet the requirements of the Marine Transportation Security Regulations and continue to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

"By enhancing marine security across the country we are taking steps to strengthen the security of our communities," said the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety. "This is part of our government’s larger strategy to protect Canadians and keep Canada safe."

Minister Cannon also launched the next round of funding. "Today, we are delivering on our commitment to expand the contribution program to help meet the security needs of our domestic ferry system, which so many Canadians rely on each and every day."

The next round of the Marine Security Contribution Program is open to selected domestic ferry operators and Canada Port Authorities. Application kits are currently being distributed to eligible stakeholders, who have until January 19, 2007 to submit their applications. Further information on the eligibility criteria for this round is available on Transport Canada’s website at www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSecurity.

Backgrounders on the Marine Security Contribution Program and the selected projects are attached.

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BACKGROUNDER

MARINE SECURITY CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM

The Marine Security Contribution Program is a five-year, $115-million Government of Canada commitment to assist ports and marine facilities with security enhancements. The program is application-based and provides funding on a cost-shared basis - 75 per cent government / 25 per cent recipient - for a number of clearly identified eligible expenses.

In compliance with international security requirements mandated by the International Maritime Organization’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the Government of Canada implemented the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, which required ports and marine facilities to have approved security plans in place.

The program was recently expanded to allow for the participation of domestic ferry facilities and vessels recognizing the high volume of passengers carried by domestic ferries every year and the unique security challenges they face as a result of their extensive, open systems.

Under the Marine Security Contribution Program, ports and other marine facilities may apply for funds to assist with new security equipment and programs required under their security plans. These funds not only assist participants in completing their initial work to meet the requirements of their plans, but also help them to extend and build on these security enhancements in the future.

The program allows for the reimbursement of eligible expenses for the period of April 2004 to November 2009.

Projects eligible for funding include:

• installation of surveillance equipment, including cameras and closed-circuit TV systems;
• improvements to dockside and perimeter security and access control, such as fencing, gates, signage and lighting;
• acquisition of command, control and communications equipment, such as portable and vessel-to-shore radios; and
• training and security design studies.

Canada’s commitment to meet - and exceed - the International Maritime Organization’s security requirements is helping to ensure that Canada’s marine transportation system remains one of the most secure in the world.

Information

MARINE SECURITY CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM FUNDING RECIPIENTS

November 2006