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PM Stephen Harper Announces $254 Million Toward Enhanced Transportation Security |
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Written by Staff
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Friday, 16 June 2006 |
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced new measures to help increase Canada’s capability to detect and respond to a potential terrorist attack. Harper speaking today in Toronto stressed the importance of this country doing everything possible to prevent the sort of transportation attacks like was experienced in the United Kingdom and Spain.
Noting that Canada has already taken significant action to "confront the threat of terrorism" both at home and overseas, the prime minister added, “Although we witnessed how successfully our security and intelligence services work together two weeks ago, we need to do more to protect our people and our institution", alluding to the arrest of 17 individuals in the Toronto area two weeks ago on charges that they were planning a series of major terrorist assaults on targets in southern Ontario.
Over the next two years, the $254 million initiate announced today will help improve the safety and security of Canada's land, sea and air travel networks along with a better coordination of anti-terrorism efforts within various transportation agencies and organizations.
The plan will include:
- $26 million over two years toward improving screening of cargo at airports
- $133 million over two years toward more effective air passenger screening
- $95 million over two years toward securing our rail system and enhance marine port security.
As well, the Harper government earlier announced further security measures that will include funding 1000 additional RCMP personnel and a $300+ million border security initiative. |
