No. H 166/07
For release - September 5, 2007
MONTREAL — The Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,today announced $5,717,603 in funding to enhance transit security in the province. Minister Cannon also announced the call for applications for the fourth round of funding under Transit-Secure, the Government of Canada's passenger rail and urban transit security contribution program.
L'Agence métropolitaine de transport in Montreal will receive up to $963,045; la Société de transport de Montréal will receive up to $3,605,719; la Gare Centrale in Montreal will receive up to $75,000; la Société de transport de l'Outaouais will receive up to $455,089; le Réseau de transport de la Capitale in Quebec City will receive up to $225,000; le Réseau de transport de Longueuil will receive up to $225,000; la Société de transport de Trois-Rivières will receive up to $75,000; and la Société de transport du Saguenay will receive up to $93,750.
"Canada's New Government continues to make investments in Quebec's transportation security," said Minister Cannon. "Preparing for potential threats to these communities reinforces the measures already underway in the province."
The $80-million application-based contribution program, launched in July 2006, is one of the programs included in the $115 million in funding announced by Prime Minister Harper for initial measures to enhance the security of Canada's passenger rail and urban transit operations. The program provides direct assistance to passenger rail and urban transit operators to further enhance their security measures and to be better equipped to address potential threats of terrorism.
Under round three of Transit-Secure, up to $19,067,586 will be provided to rail and urban transit operators in some of Canada's largest urban centers. Up to $712,500 will be provided to smaller operators to help them develop risk assessments and comprehensive security plans.
"The funding announced today will help transit operators in Montreal and other major centres, along with those in smaller communities like Longueuil, enhance their security systems," said Minister Fortier.
Under the program, funding is provided on a cost-shared basis, with up to 75 per cent from the federal government and 25 per cent from the recipient. This funding is part of $1.4 billion in national security funding committed in Budget 2006 for a variety of security initiatives that will help protect Canadians and their communities, including $254 million for transportation security.
Details of the contribution program are available at www.tc.gc.ca/vigilance/sep/rail/contribution_program/menu.htm.
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Contacts:
Natalie SarafianPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Transport,Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa613-991-0700
Linda LicariCommunicationsTransport Canada, Ottawa613-993-0055
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