No. H 161/08
For release - June 26, 2008
OTTAWA — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, took further action today to help modernize and secure Canada's domestic ferries by announcing that domestic ferry operators can apply for funding under the Government of Canada's Marine Security Contribution Program.
The fifth and final round of funding will provide up to $5 million to selected domestic ferry operators across the country. The funds may be used by these operators to update and reinforce their security systems and programs, helping them meet the requirements of the Marine Transportation Security Regulations and comply with the International Maritime Organization's International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).
"The security of our marine system is important to our government, to Canadians and to our economy," said Minister Cannon. "We have committed to expanding the contribution program to domestic ferries, which many Canadians rely on every day. I'm pleased that we can target this round of funding so that they have the opportunity to make improvements to security and be better equipped to address potential threats."
The distribution of funds under the Marine Security Contribution Program is one of the ways the Government of Canada is working with industry to keep marine facilities secure and open to trade. Four rounds of funding have already been announced, totalling approximately $108 million. Any unused funds from previously approved funding rounds will also be allocated through this round.
In compliance with international security requirements mandated by the ISPS, the Government of Canada introduced the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, which required ports and port facilities to have approved security plans in place by July 1, 2004. Canada is a world leader in the implementation of these requirements.
The Marine Security Contribution Program supports the National Security Policy, which establishes an integrated approach to support marine security at ports and other marine facilities across Canada.
Application kits are currently being distributed to eligible stakeholders. For more information on the Marine Security Contribution Program and the application process, including the official application kit, visit the following website: www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSecurity/ContributionSpecialPrograms/contribution/menu.htm
–30–
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
