Minister Raitt reiterates the government's commitment to strengthening land border and aviation security

OTTAWA, Oct. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, addressed the SecureTech 2013 Conference on the Government of Canada's ongoing work to strengthen the security of Canada's land borders and aviation system.

"Our government is pursuing an ambitious trade agenda that requires safe and secure supply chains to move products to market," said Minister Raitt. "In today's global economy, a solid economy relies on solid transportation security."

With the rapid growth of international travel and global supply chains in recent years, the Government of Canada is taking important steps to ensure Canadians have access to an efficient, reliable and secure transportation system, which will benefit their families, and businesses, in the years ahead.

Since 2006, the federal government has committed over $2 billion to aviation security.

Investments continue today and include full body scanners and baggage screening equipment upgrades, as well as enhancements to the screening of air cargo and non-passengers. In addition, under the Canada-US Beyond the Border agreement announced in 2011, pre-screened low-risk travellers flying to the United States can get faster service by using their NEXUS cards to access designated security lines for pre-board screening at many of Canada's airports.

In spring 2013 the Government of Canada announced $127 million in funding to expand and modernize facilities at the ports of entry in Lacolle, QC; Lansdowne, ON; Emerson, MB, and North Portal, SK. Improvements will increase capacity for commercial traffic, reduce wait times and strengthen border security. The continued development of the Detroit River International Crossing will also support growing trade and traffic at the busiest Canada -U.S. commercial border crossing.

More information on the SecureTech 2013 Conference can be found here: https://www.securetechcanada.ca/index.php.

SOURCE: Transport Canada

Ashley Kelahear
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport
Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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