Canada spends C$42 million on latest round of security projects

Canada spends C$42 million on latest round of security projects    The Canadian government Thursday awarded up to C$42 million ($36.7 million) for 386 projects at 101 ports and marine facilities across the country as part of its five-year C$115-million ($100.4 million) Marine Security Contribution Program.
   The latest round of funds will be used for security enhancements such as surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, command, control and communications equipment, and training, Transport Canada said. The program is modeled on the U.S. port security program administered by the Department of Homeland Security.
   “We are taking steps to address priority security needs in our transportation system to help ensure it remains secure and efficient,” said Lawrence Cannon, Canada’s Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “This funding will give ports and marine facilities the opportunity to make improvements to security, so they can be better equipped to address potential terrorist threats.”
   The Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Community, which manages the grant program, said it is accepting applications from port authorities and selected domestic ferry operators for the next round of funding. Further information on the eligibility criteria for this round is available on Transport Canada’s Web site at www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSecurity.
   Recipients of the largest grants include:
   * The Port of Halifax, which received C$12.5 million to implement an advanced, port-wide security network. The funding will allow for full integration of 14 private and public facilities around Halifax Harbor.
   * Montreal Port Authority, C$5.3 million.
   * P&O’s Centerm terminal at the Port of Vancouver, C$1.73 million.
   * Vancouver Port Authority, C$2.24 million.
   * St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp., C$2.24 million.
   * Hamilton Port Authority in Ontario, C$1.7 million.
   * Iron Ore Co. of Canada, located in Quebec, C$1.4 million.
   In a related development, Minister Cannon announced amendments to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations that will require background checks for port workers at Canada’s ports.
   Under the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program, port workers will require a transportation security clearance to gain access to certain designated restricted areas, including:
   * Areas in the marine facilities that contain the central controls for security and surveillance equipment.
   * Areas that contain the central lighting system controls.
   * Areas that are designated for the loading or unloading of cargo and ships’ stores at cruise ship terminals.
   * Land adjacent to vessels interfacing with cruise ship terminals.
   In addition, port workers occupying certain positions or responsible for specific duties have been designated as requiring a transportation security clearance, including licensed ship pilots, harbor master or wharfingers among others.
   The program is being implemented using a phased-in approach, with the first phase including the ports of Halifax, Nova Scotia; Montreal, Quebec; Fraser River, North Fraser River and Vancouver, British Columbia; and marine traffic control and operations centers of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp.
   The second phase will include the ports of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador; Saint John, New Brunswick; Qu'bec, Quebec; Toronto, Hamilton and Windsor, Ontario; and Prince Rupert and Victoria, British Columbia.
   Implementation for the first phase of ports is scheduled to be complete by Dec. 15, 2007, and for the second phase by Dec. 15, 2008.