Canada's New Government funds another round of Transit-Secure projects

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon,
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced new
projects to enhance rail and transit security under Transit-Secure, the
Government of Canada's $80-million passenger rail and urban transit security
contribution program. The Minister also announced the call for applications
for the fourth round of funding under the program.
Under round three of Transit-Secure, up to $19,067,586 will be provided
to rail and urban transit operators in some of Canada's largest urban centres.
Up to $712,500 will be provided to smaller operators to help them develop risk
assessments and comprehensive security plans.
"Canada began to increase its focus on passenger rail and urban transit
security after the bombings in Madrid and London in 2004 and 2005. This
transportation sector continues to present unique security challenges because
of high traffic volumes and extensive, open networks," said Minister Cannon.
"We depend on partners to help us face these challenges by playing key roles
in emergency management, preparedness and response to create an effective,
efficient and secure transportation system."
The following funding is being provided through this round: eight
operators in Quebec will receive up to $5,717,603; four operators in Ontario
will receive up to $11,850,677; one operator in Saskatchewan will receive up
to $37,500; and one operator in Alberta will receive up to $2,174,306.

This funding will make various projects possible, such as:

- the development of training programs;
- the development of risk assessments and security plans; and
- the installation and upgrade of surveillance systems.

The application-based contribution program, launched in July 2006, is one
of the programs included in the $115 million in funding announced by
Prime Minister Harper for initial measures to enhance the security of Canada's
passenger rail and urban transit operations. The program provides direct
assistance to passenger rail and urban transit operators to implement
immediate enhancements to the security of their operations and to be better
equipped to address potential threats of terrorism. In May 2007,
Minister Cannon announced the extension of the Transit-Secure program until
March 31, 2009.
Under the program, funding is provided on a cost-shared basis, with up to
75 per cent from the federal government and 25 per cent from the recipient.

Details of the contribution program are available at
www.tc.gc.ca/vigilance/sep/rail/Contribution_Program/menu.htm.

Backgrounders listing round three funding recipients and describing the
initial measures to enhance the security of Canada's passenger rail and urban
transit operations are attached.