No. H020/06
For release April 28, 2006
OTTAWA — Transport Canada is now accepting applications for the third round of funding under the Marine Security Contribution Program, announced in May 2004. The three-year, $115-million program helps Canada's ports and marine facilities with the cost of modernizing and strengthening their security systems and programs. The deadline for this third round of applications is June 2, 2006.
The distribution of funds under this program is one of the ways the Government of Canada is working with industry to keep marine facilities secure and open to trade. More than $50 million in funding for ports and marine facilities across the country was announced under the program's first and second rounds of funding.
In compliance with international security requirements mandated by the International Maritime Organization's International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the Government of Canada introduced the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, which required ports and port facilities to have approved security plans in place and operational by July 1, 2004. Canada is a world leader in the implementation of these requirements.
Under the 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 will also help them to extend and build on future security enhancements. The program allows for the reimbursement of eligible expenses for the period of April 2004 to November 2007.
Projects eligible for funding include:
improvements to dockside and perimeter security and access control, such as fencing, gates, signage and lighting;
surveillance equipment, including cameras and closed-circuit TV systems; and
command, control and communications equipment, such as portable and vessel-to-shore radios.
Round three application kits are currently being distributed to stakeholders.
For more information on the Marine Security Contribution Program and the application process, including the official application kit, please visit: www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSecurity/ContributionSpecialPrograms/contribution/menu.htm.
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Contact:
Vanessa VermetteCommunicationsTransport Canada, Ottawa(613) 993-0055
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