No. H 011/09
For release - January 11, 2009
DARTMOUTH — Ferry operators across Nova Scotia will benefit from an investment by the Government of Canada to enhance security. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced that up to $393,300 will be provided to the Halifax Regional Municipality for three projects aimed at enhancing security for domestic ferries in Nova Scotia.
"Our Government is delivering new opportunities to increase economic prosperity and create jobs at Nova Scotia's marine facilities," said Minister MacKay. "In addition to enhancing the security of ferry workers and their users, this investment will also encourage trade and tourism across Nova Scotia and help to further modernize our ferry system."
The Halifax Regional Municipality will receive the funding for Dartmouth–Cole Harbour for specific security enhancements, such as surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, command, control and communications equipment, and training.
The Marine Security Contribution Program has assisted Canada's ports, marine facilities and domestic ferries to modernize and strengthen their security systems.
The Marine Security Contribution Program is a five-year, $115-million commitment to assist ports, marine facilities and domestic ferries with security enhancements. The 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
