CANADA: PM HARPER ANNOUNCES MORE DETAILS ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY FUNDING

UNCLAS OTTAWA 001925



SIPDIS



SIPDIS



STATE FOR WHA/CAN, EB/TRA



DOT for International Affairs (David Decarme)



DOT for Federal Highway Administration (Roger Petzold)



DHS for International Affairs (Karen Marmaud) and Susan

Williams (Transportation Security Administration)



E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: EAIR, ELTN, EWWT, ETRD, ASEC, EINV, CA

SUBJ: CANADA: PM Harper announces more details on transportation

security funding



Ref: Ottawa 1455



1. Summary: On June 16, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper

announced details regarding C$254 million worth (about US$230

million) of new measures in the next two years to help increase

Canada's capability to detect and respond to a potential terrorist

attack. The measures announced include initiatives to bolster the

safety and security for Canada's land, sea and air travel networks.

Funds will be used to establish a totally new program to address

threats to passenger rail and transit networks. End summary.

2. Speaking in Toronto, the Prime Minister stated that his

government is already taking significant actions, both in Canada and

abroad, to confront the threat of terrorism. Noting that terrorists

have targeted urban transportation systems in nations such as the

U.K. and Spain, he added Canada that must do everything possible to

prevent such attacks from occurring here.

3. Under the two-year spending plan (the C$254 million commitment

was part of the Conservatives' May 2006 budget),the government will

invest C$26 million in air cargo security initiatives designed to

enhance existing air cargo security measures. These include

measures to ensure the integrity of air cargo security throughout

the supply chain, as well as the evaluation of screening

technologies. C$133 million for the Canadian Air Transport Security

Authority (CATSA) will enable CATSA to respond to increasing air

passenger volumes and corresponding operating pressures by hiring

additional staff and providing more training programs.



4. For rail security the government is providing C$95 million to

enhance critical security in high-risk passenger rail and transit

security operations. It will establish a new passenger rail and

urban transit security program, targeted towards the high-volume

passenger areas of commuter rail and urban transit, with a focus on

major urban transit systems and equipment. This program will

provide financial assistance to commuter rail and public transit

operators in designated major metropolitan areas to accelerate the

implementation of new and enhanced security measures.



5. The funding will also serve to improve the readiness of Canada's

urban transport sector to respond to emergencies and to develop

effective contingency plans. This funding will support joint

federal-provincial exercises in one or two major metropolitan areas;

these exercises will be an essential element in preparing civil

servants, infrastructure owners-operators, first responders, and law

enforcement officers to respond effectively during emergencies.



6. For marine transport operators the funding allows Canada's

domestic ferry operators, including those that are part of urban

transit systems, to apply for funding under the existing Transport

Canada "Marine Security Contribution Program" to enhance the

security of their port facilities and vessels.



WILKINS