In this second round of funding, smaller operators in municipalities or communities outside of the six urban centres included in round one funding, along with inter-city train and bus companies, will be eligible for assistance to carry out risk assessments and to develop comprehensive security plans. All proposals received will be subject to a standard evaluation process and funding will be allocated based on successful proposals.

Funding is provided on a cost-shared basis, with 75 per cent from the federal government and 25 per cent from the recipient. Up to $37 million in funding for round one of this program was announced on November 14, 2006. Round one was open to operators in the six highest-volume urban transit areas in Canada ”“ Montreal, the National Capital Region, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

These operators will be eligible for financial assistance under a future round of funding. This funding is part of the $1.4 billion in national security funding committed in Budget 2006 for a variety of security initiatives that will help protect Canadians and their communities, including $254 million for transportation security.

Details of the contribution program, including application information and project eligibility criteria, are available at www.tc.gc.ca/vigilance/sep/rail/Contribution_Program/menu.htm. It is expected that funding recipients will be announced in early 2007.