No. H 009/09
For release - January 8, 2009
QUEBEC – Ferry operators across Quebec will benefit from an investment by the Government of Canada to enhance security at marine facilities. The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen's Privy Council, Minister for La Francophonie and Minister responsible for Quebec City, made the $1.3 million announcement, on behalf of Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, in Quebec City today.
La Société des traversiers du Québec will receive funding for specific security enhancements, such as surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, command, control and communications equipment, and training.
"This round of funding for la Société des traversiers du Québec is a great example of what our Government is doing to improve the security of all our citizens and to stimulate our economy," said Minister Verner. "These funds will contribute to the security of our ferry system while encouraging trade and tourism across Quebec."
The Marine Security Contribution Program has helped Canada's ports, marine facilities and domestic ferries to modernize and strengthen their security systems.
Under this round of funding, la Société des traversiers du Québec will receive up to $1,336,176 and this amount will be allocated in the following regions:
- Bas-Richelieu-Nicolet-Bécancour/Berthier-Maskinongé will receive up to $597,739.50;
- Québec/Lévis-Bellechasse will receive up to $191,092.50;
- Montmorency-Charlevoix-Haute-Côte-Nord will receive up to $129,795.00;
- Berthier-Maskinongé will receive up to $210,046.50; and
- Quebec City will receive up to $207,502.50.
The Marine Security Contribution Program is a five-year, $115-million commitment to assist ports and other marine facilities 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 $115-million Government of Canada commitment to assist ports and marine facilities with security enhancements. The program is application-based and provides funding on a cost-shared basis – 75 per cent government / 25 per cent recipient.
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 required 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.
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 could 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 funding has helped recipients meet the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and will now help key domestic ferry operators to strengthen security.
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
