On Sept. 5, 2007 the Hon. Lawrence Cannon announced up to $19,067,586 will be provided to rail and urban transit operators in some of Canada's largest urban centres. Up to $712,500 will be provided to smaller operators to help them develop risk assessments and comprehensive security plans.

Among the transit systems receiving funds:

Ӣ The Toronto Transit Commission $6,429,750 for expansion of subway station CCTV system
Ӣ Union Station $2, 820,975 for emergency voice communication system and $2,092,577 for physica security protection enhancements.

”¢ Société de transport de Montréal $3,605,719 for subway video surveillance system upgrade.

Ӣ Gare Centrale CN $75,000 for upgrade of back-up power supply to support and optimize the reliability of cameras and recorders.

Ӣ Ottawa Transpo $451,125 for Interoperability enhancements to radio communication systems.

Ӣ Edmonton Transit $2,174, 306 for Command and Control (three phases).

Ӣ Prince Albert Transit $37,500 for Risk assessments and security plans.

"Canada began to increase its focus on passenger rail and urban transit security after the bombings in Madrid and London in 2004 and 2005. This transportation sector continues to present unique security challenges because of high traffic volumes and extensive, open networks," said Minister Cannon. "We depend on partners to help us face these challenges by playing key roles in emergency management, preparedness and response to create an effective, efficient and secure transportation system."

The funding will make various projects possible, such as: the development of training programs; the development of risk assessments and security plans; and the installation and upgrade of surveillance systems.

The application-based contribution program, launched in July 2006, is one of the programs included in the $115 million in funding announced by Prime Minister Harper for initial measures to enhance the security of Canada's passenger rail and urban transit operations.

The program provides direct assistance to passenger rail and urban transit operators to implement immediate enhancements to the security of their operations and to be better equipped to address potential threats of terrorism.

In May 2007, Minister Cannon announced the extension of the Transit-Secure program until March 31, 2009. Under the program, funding is provided on a cost-shared basis, with up to 75 per cent from the federal government and 25 per cent from the recipient.