NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, Aug. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction of a new, permanent Great Lakes Marine Security Operations Centre (GL-MSOC) in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
"Today's ground-breaking is an important step forward in the Harper government's ongoing commitment to strengthen our border security," said Canada's Justice Minister, and MP for Niagara Falls, Rob Nicholson.
The Great Lakes region is densely populated and is an important economic hub for Canada and the United States. It is also one of the busiest marine regions in North America. The GL-MSOC has the capacity to detect, assess, and support a coordinated response when dealing with marine security threats in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. "Our Government is proud to support this new Great Lakes Marine Security Operations Centre," said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "This state-of-the-art facility will help to protect Canadians and maintain safety and security on the Great Lakes."
"The GL-MSOC involves departments and agencies working together, on-site, while conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Seaway region," said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Todd Shean. "This type of partnership will enable us to detect and prevent marine threats and events before they occur, allowing for a quick and effective response". The partnership involves participation on site from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Department of Fisheries and Oceans / Canadian Coast Guard (DFO/CCG), Department of National Defence (DND), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Transport Canada (TC). The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Niagara Regional Police Service also participate in the GL-MSOC. "This centre is a major step forward for the Canadian Coast Guard and our partners in carrying out our national maritime security responsibilities," said Jody Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard. "The Coast Guard looks forward to its role in this world-class centre."
This new Centre will provide a unique level of integration and co-operation between government departments and agencies to ensure the security of Canada's marine transportation system and maritime borders in the Great Lakes region. "Success in protecting our Great Lakes system against potential security threats comes through the integrated, efforts of the Centre's partners," said the CBSA's Regional Director General Rick Comerford. "The CBSA plays a significant role in border-focused intelligence gathering, analysis and information sharing regarding potential threats to our marine border."
The GL-MSOC brings together specific areas of expertise to deliver a clear picture of the intent and movement of vessels, personnel and cargo destined for, or already in, Canadian waters. "National Defence's participation in the Great Lakes Marine Security Operations Centre contributes to a national maritime picture, ensuring the right people have the right information at the right time," said Captain (Navy) Steve Waddell, Acting Chief of Staff, Canada Command. "We take seriously our responsibility to protect and defend, and welcome this opportunity to support the RCMP through our commitment to the safety and security of Canada and Canadians."
The Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness, launched by Prime Minister Harper and President Obama, has mandated the RCMP and Transport Canada, along with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to lead the Domain Awareness initiative for the development and implementation of procedures to address threats and criminal trends in land, air and maritime environments.
The current Centre is temporarily located in an RCMP work site in the Niagara Region. The new, permanent facility will be constructed to a LEED Gold standard to incorporate a sustainable design, reduce its environmental impact and integrate the development into the surrounding landscape.
For further information on the Great Lakes Marine Security Operations Centre please visit: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mari-port/msoc-cosm-eng.htm
SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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