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Canada's New Government Implements Background Checks for Port Workers

MONTREAL − The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced 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 program will reduce the risk of security threats to the transportation system and help 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 also apply to marine pilots, wharfingers, security personnel and seafarers who apply for a Seafarersentification Document.   "This program will not only further secure our ports but will also help ensure the continued competitiveness of our marine industry," said Minister Cannon. "This reflects the commitment of Canada's New Government to secure our borders and strengthen national security."   The Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program builds on the experience gained from Transport Canada's program of background security checks for airport personnel. Extensive consultations on the marine program have also been conducted with stakeholders, including industry and labour representatives.    This initiative 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.   The regulatory amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on November 15, 2006.   The program is being implemented using a phased-in approach, with the first phase including the ports of Halifax, Nova Scotia; Montreal, Quebec; Fraser River, North Fraser River and Vancouver, British Columbia; and marine traffic control and operations centres of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation in Saint-Lambert, Quebec and St. Catharines, Ontario, scheduled to be complete by December 2007.   A backgrounder with further information on the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program is attached.   Contacts: Natalie SarafianPress Secretary Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible for the Quebec region 613-991-0700 Vanessa VermetteCommunicationsTransports Canada, Ottawa613-993-0055