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