Federal money on the way for Fairview port security needs

The Government of Canada’s plans to increase security at Canada’s 101 ports and marine facilities will include some cash destined for the Fairview Container Port. The Port Authority will receive $34,000 which will be used to purchase video equipment, fencing materials and training. Items that are described as state-of-the-art world-standard, which sounds pretty James Bondish to the casual ear.

Security concerns are apparently high with “Canada’s New Government” (perhaps a term that the Conservatives should think about retiring, it was a nice positioning statement at the start, but just sound silly now) as they are adding the ferry systems of the nation to the next round of grant applications. (A cynic might say they’ll be saving money on the North Coast, with the way things have been going with the BC Ferry fleet of late).

The announcement of this week comes with the promise of even more money for those who can file their paperwork by the January 19th deadline of 2007.

The Daily news featured all the new developments in the security front on Monday’s front page.

PORT GETS CASH TO HELP BEEF UP ITS SECURITY
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Monday, November 20, 2006
Page one

The Government of Canada has announced $42 million for 386 projects around the country to improve security at 101 ports and marine facilities. In Rupert, the Port Authority will receive more than $34,000 for security while Coriphen Enterprises Ltd., will get around $860 for training from the marine Security Contribution Program.

”It’s going to be used for (video) surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security including fencing and controlled access points and for some training,” said Barry Bartlett, Port corporate communications and public affairs manager. “It’s a small step in terms of what our overall needs are going to be, but we certainly appreciate the support. When you look at the level of sophistication of the equipment we’re going to need in terms of us positioning ourselves in the global trade market, then you need state-of-the-art world-standard security equipment and procedures.”

The funds are part of a five-year, $115 million program designed to help Canada’s ports and marine facilities to modernize and strengthen their security systems and programs, help them meet the requirements of the Marine Transportation Security Regulations and continue to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The programs are cost-shared, 75 per cent funded by government and 25 per cent recipient.

“Security is important to Canada’s New Government,” said Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport. “We are taking steps to address priority security needs in our transportation system to help ensure it remains secure and efficient.

“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.”

Cannon also announced the fund would be expanded to include the needs of the domestic ferry system.

The next round of the Marine Security Contribution Program is now open to ferry operators and Canada Port Authorities. Application kits are being distributed to eligible stakeholders, who have until Jan/ 19, 2007, to submit applications for additional funds.