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TRANSPORTATION SECURITY INITIATIVES
Aviation security
- Restricted Area Identity Card
Implemented at 29 airports by Transport Canada and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) in December 2006, the Restricted Area Identity Card uses biometrics to enhance the pre-existing restricted area pass system for airport personnel and others who require access to restricted areas. The card incorporates unique human characteristics, such as fingerprints and iris patterns, and leading-edge technology. It is the world's first-ever dual biometric airport identification system.
- Passenger Protect
This program provides an additional layer of security to prevent persons who pose an immediate threat to aviation security from boarding a commercial aircraft. It adds another layer of security while maintaining efficiency and ensuring the privacy and human rights of Canadians are protected.
- CATSA Act Review
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act came into force on April 1, 2002, and requires that the Minister of Transport complete a review of the provisions and operation of the legislation during its fifth year and report to Parliament on the results. The first round of decisions resulting from this review were announced on September 4, 2007, and focus on ensuring that CATSA remains a strong Crown Corporation, capable of maintaining Canada's high quality air transport security system, and helping CATSA fulfill its core aviation security-screening role.
- Security Awareness Training Program
Announced in December 2006, the Government of Canada contributed $405,000 to the International Civil Aviation Organization s (ICAO) Security Awareness Training Program, which helps developing states meet international aviation security standards. Canada's contribution to this initiative will assist Caribbean and South American countries in addressing aviation security challenges. This global approach to international terrorism prevention and response ultimately benefits the security of Canadians.
Marine security
- Marine Security Contribution Program
Since first announced in May 2004, the Government of Canada has committed more than $108 million to ports, marine facilities and domestic ferry services across the country. The funds are being used for security enhancements such as surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, command, control and communications equipment, and training.
- Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program
Announced in November 2006, this program requires security clearances
for port workers in higher risk areas, in order to reduce the risk of
security threats and help prevent unlawful interference with the marine
transportation system. Marine workers who perform certain duties and
others who have access to restricted areas, must have a transportation
security clearance.
- The International Maritime Organization's International Maritime Security Trust Fund
To aid in international counter-terrorism efforts, the Government of
Canada announced in June 2006 that it contributed $500,000 to this fund,
which assists contracting states in implementing the requirements
mandated under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS)
code.
Passenger Rail and Urban Transit Security
- Transit-Secure
First announced in June 2006, this is the Government of Canada's $80-million passenger rail and urban transit security contribution program. To date, up to $58 million in federal funding has been announced for rail and urban transit operators in Canada's six major urban areas, inter-city rail and bus companies, and operators in other parts of the country. The funds are to be used for initial and immediate high priority security projects in the major centres, such as risk assessments, security plans, employee training programs, public awareness, and security equipment such as access control technology and lighting. Operators in the smaller centres will use the funds to carry out risk assessments and to develop security plans.
September 2007
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