No. H 008/09
For release - January 8, 2009
OTTAWA — John Baird, Canada's Minister of Transport, today announced that the federal government will fund projects to enhance security for domestic ferries under the Marine Security Contribution Program.
Domestic ferry operators in Nova Scotia, Quebec and British Columbia will be receiving the funding for specific security enhancements, such as surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, command, control and communications equipment, and training.
"Many Canadians rely on ferry services every day. Our government is getting things done to improve the safety and security of those who work and use our ferries," said Minister Baird. "In addition to strengthening the security of Canadians, this investment encourages more travel on our domestic ferries, helps stimulates the economy, supports tourism and promotes the creation of new jobs."
This Marine Security Contribution Program is a $115-million initiative that has helped Canada's ports, marine facilities and domestic ferries to help cover the costs of modernizing and strengthening their security systems and programs.
This Program is application-based and provides funding to recipients on a cost-sharing basis for a number of clearly identified eligible expenses.
A backgrounder on the Marine Security Contribution Program is attached.
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The Marine Security Contribution Program is a five-year, $115-million Government of Canada commitment to assist ports, marine facilities and domestic ferries 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.
In compliance with international security requirements mandated by the International Maritime Organization's International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the Government of Canada implemented the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, which require ports and marine facilities to have approved security plans in place.
The program was recently expanded to allow for the participation of domestic ferry services and vessels, recognizing the high volume of passengers carried by domestic ferries every year and the unique security challenges they face as a result of their extensive, open systems. The funding will help recipients meet the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
Under the Marine Security Contribution Program, Canada Port Authorities; harbour commissions; private ports; port terminal operators; marine facilities; the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation; commercialized and private ferry terminals; ferry vessels; municipalities; and provinces may apply for funds to assist with new security equipment and programs required under their security plans. These funds not only assist participants in completing their initial work to meet the requirements of their plans, but also help them to extend and build on these security enhancements in the future.
The program allows for the reimbursement of eligible expenses for the period of April 2004 to November 2007 for Canada Port Authorities, April 2004 to November 2009 for marine facilities and June 2006 to November 2009 for domestic ferry services.
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;
- training; and
- security design studies.
Canada's commitment to meet — and exceed — the International Maritime Organization's security requirements is helping to ensure that Canada's marine transportation system remains one of the most secure in the world.
January 2009
