|
Transport Canada Proposes Security Background Checks on Canadian Port Workers |
|
|
|
Written by Transport Canada
|
|
Thursday, 29 June 2006 |
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced proposed amendments to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations that will strengthen marine security by requiring background checks for port workers through the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program.
The proposed program would reduce the risk of security threats to the transportation system and help to prevent unlawful interference with the marine transportation system by requiring marine workers who perform certain duties or who have access to certain restricted areas to have a transportation security clearance. The requirements would also apply to marine pilots, wharfingers, security personnel and seafarers who have a Seafarers Identity Document.
The Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program builds on the experience gained from Transport Canada's program of background security checks for airport personnel, which has been in place since October 1985.
"This proposed program builds on the commitments the new Government of Canada has made to secure our borders and strengthen national security," said Minister Cannon. "Further securing our ports will also help ensure the continued competitiveness of our marine industry and contribute to Canada's economic growth."
Extensive consultations on the proposed program of background checks for port workers have been conducted with stakeholders, including industry and labour representatives, since January 2003.
The Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program represents an important next step in enhancing marine security and builds on the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and Canada's Marine Transportation Security Regulations, which have been in place since July 1, 2004.
The proposed amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette Part I on July 1, 2006. From that date, there will be a 60-day period for the public to respond. After consideration of the comments, the regulations will be finalized and submitted for publication in the Canada Gazette Part II. |
