No. H250/05
For release - November 23, 2005
THUNDER BAY — Seven new projects to enhance security at ports and marine facilities in northern Ontario, under the second round of funding from the Marine Security Contribution Program, were announced today by Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario), Andy Mitchell, on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre.
The three-year, $115-million program, which was announced in May 2004, is helping Canada's ports and marine facilities to modernize and strengthen their security systems and programs. This contribution program is part of the National Security Policy announced on April 27, 2004, which sets out a six-point plan to strengthen marine security across Canada.
"Seven ports and marine facilities in northern Ontario will benefit from today's funding," said Mr. Mitchell. "In fact, all Canadians will benefit from today's funding because we all win when security enhancements are made to our national transportation system."
"Today's announcement is great news for Sudbury," said Raymond Bonin, MP (Nickel Belt). "It will not only enhance security, but increase the region's economic potential."
This second round of funding will provide up to $459,939 in northern Ontario. Recipients include:
•Sudbury
Alexander Centre Industries Ltd. will receive up to $5,625;
•Thunder Bay
Cargill Ltd. will receive up to $48,381;James Richardson International Thunder Bay will receive up to $14,400;Saskatchewan Wheat Pool will receive up to $37,426;Thunder Bay Port Authority will receive up to $101,250;United Grain Growers Ltd. will receive up to $249,225; andValley Camp Terminals Inc. will receive up to $3,632.
These funds will be used for security enhancements such as surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, security design studies, command, control and communications equipment, and training.
"The security of Canadians is everyone's business," said Mr. Lapierre. "It is through programs like the Marine Security Contribution Program that the Government of Canada is able to help ensure companies on the ground are getting the funds needed to make necessary security enhancements."
Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
A backgrounder on the Marine Security Contribution Program is attached.
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Contacts:
Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Vanessa VermetteCommunications,Transport Canada, Ottawa(613) 993-0055
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BACKGROUNDERMARINE SECURITY CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM
The Marine Security Contribution Program is a three-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.
Through the Canadian Marine Transportation Security Regulations, the Government of Canada requires ports and marine facilities to have approved security plans. Under the Marine Security Contribution Program, ports and marine facilities can apply for funds to be used for the purchase of new security equipment and the implementation of programs required under their security plans. These funds will not only assist participants in completing their initial work to meet the requirements of their plans, but will also help them to extend and build on these security enhancements in the future. Canada's commitment to meet - and in fact, exceed - the International Maritime Organization's security requirements will help ensure that Canada's marine transportation system remains one of the most secure in the world.
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.
The program is retroactive to April 1, 2004 and is subject to all expenditure controls applicable to contribution programs.
November 2005
