Port Days speakers undertake timely examination of security iniatives
September 6, 2002
Hon. Perrin Beatty Headlines Security Workshop
Halifax, NS - Security will be a focus at this year's Halifax Port Days. A security update featuring an in-depth look at initiatives from the perspective of local and North American experts will be the concentration of one of the workshops during Port Days 2002.
Guest speakers at the security workshop include Hon. Perrin Beatty, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters; Jean Barrette, Director of Security Operations, Transport Canada; Karen Borlaug Phillips, Vice President, U.S. Government Affairs, Canadian National; and Andrew LeFrank, Director, Customs Investigations, Atlantic, Canada Customs & Revenue Agency.
"We've brought together a group of experts in the transportation industry to examine port security initiatives such as the evolution of partnerships involving commercial and regulatory agents," says George Malec, Vice President, Operations and Security, Halifax Port Authority.
Security spending at the Port of Halifax has increased five-fold over the past year. Several new security measures have been implemented including restricted access zones, perimeter fencing, photo identification requirements and dedicated on-site Halifax Regional Police providing 24-hour surveillance of port facilities. The Port of Halifax is currently the only Canadian port with dedicated police resources on-site.
In addition, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency recently invested $3.6 million in new customs inspection tools for Halifax. These include state-of-the-art, mobile gamma-ray scanners for the Port of Halifax. Additional equipment being supplied to Halifax this year will include:
- a high-energy stationary cargo-inspection system for the container inspection facility;
- a low-energy "scan trailer" mobile X-ray system;
- an ion mobility spectrometer to detect and trace narcotics; and
- electronic dosimeters to identify and protect against radiation exposure.
The Halifax Port Authority has also partnered with port stakeholders such as Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, RCMP, Department of National Defence, security agencies, shippers and local unions to ensure the safety of the Port of Halifax.
The security workshop will take place on Monday, September 9 at 11 a.m. at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax.
About Halifax Port Authority
The Halifax Port Authority is a government business enterprise mandated by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The HPA leads in the development of the Port of Halifax, serving as a catalyst for the local, regional and national economies and has a mandate to be financially viable. The Port of Halifax has a total annual income impact of almost $700 million and an employment impact of over 9000 direct and indirect jobs.
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