SPEAKING NOTES
FOR THE HONOURABLE LAWRENCE CANNON, MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITIES
AT THE NATIONAL ROLLOUT OF THE ROUND THREE FUNDING RECIPIENTS FOR THE RAIL AND URBAN TRANSIT SECURITY CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM (TRANSIT-SECURE)

GATINEAU, QUEBEC
SEPTEMBER 5, 2007

Dear friends, today Canada's New Government is delivering an important national announcement on public transit security measures right here in the City of Gatineau.

As many of you know, in a previous life, I was chair of the Outaouais Transit Commission. I also chaired Gatineau’s Strategic Choices Commission and the Association du transport urbain du Québec.

In this context, to fulfill my role properly, it was vital to know well the needs of the communities. Canadians remain vigilant, but want their government to take the needed actions and make the needed investments to ensure their safety and the safety of their families.

That's why, in Budget 2006, Canada's New Government announced $1.4 billion over two years toward security initiatives that will help protect Canadian families.

I'm pleased to announce that Canada's New Government will provide more than $19 million in direct funding under the third round of the Transit-Secure program for passenger rail and urban transit operators in key urban centres, so they can further enhance their security measures, and to other communities to develop risk assessments and security plans.

Funding comes from the $80-million Passenger Rail and Urban Transit Security Contribution Program - otherwise known as Transit-Secure. The program addresses measures required to enhance security in high-volume passenger rail and urban transit operations. Today we are announcing Transit-Secure projects throughout Canada. Right here in the National Capital Region, the STO will receive over $455,000 to install fencing, cameras and access control enhancements.

Across the river, OC Transpo will receive over $450,000. This funding will go toward enhancing radio communication systems. I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that we are accepting applications under round four of Transit-Secure, which is now open to transit operators in Montreal, the National Capital Region, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, who have completed risk assessments and developed comprehensive security plans.

Also eligible are all other transit operators, including VIA Rail and inter-city passenger rail and bus service operators, who can apply to receive federal funds to develop risk assessments and comprehensive security plans.

Up to $19.3 million in funding is available for this fourth round of Transit-Secure funding.

Canada's New Government knows that to effectively tackle safety and security, we cannot work alone. We know we must work with our partners in all levels of government as well as industry to ensure that the 1.5 billion passengers who use Canadian transit services every year are safe.

Enhancing the security of Canada's passenger rail and public transit system requires a partnership between the federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as operators, law enforcement agencies and the public.

Transit-Secure is one of those steps - an important step in enhancing the security of passenger rail and urban transit in Canada. Protecting Canadians, their health and their environment, is what Canada's New Government is all about.

Thank you.