Canada Port Workers Require Security Clearance

Calling it an important step towards enhancing Canada’s marine security, Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, noted the program builds upon international requirements and Canada’s Transportation Security Regulations. “The program will further secure Canada’s ports against terrorist and organized crime activities while ensuring the continued competitiveness of [Canada’s] marine industry in an increasingly global environment,” he said.

Marine workers who perform certain duties or who have access to certain restricted areas will be required to have a security clearance. These include: marine facilities that contain the central controls for security and surveillance equipment; areas that contain the central lighting system controls; areas designated for loading and unloading cargo and ships’ stores at cruise ship terminals; and land adjacent to vessels interfacing with cruise ship terminals.

In its initial stage, the program covers the ports of Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Fraser River and North Fraser River and the control centers of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. The second phase will extend the requirements to the ports of Prince Rupert, Victoria, Windsor, Toronto, Hamilton, Quebec, Saint John, and St. John’s. That phase is scheduled to be implemented December 15, 2008.