Canada earmarks $7.7 billion for security

Jan. 1, 2002
Paul Martin, Canada's finance minister, has told the United States that Canada will do its part to keep terrorists out of North America by announcing

Paul Martin, Canada's finance minister, has told the United States that Canada will do its part to keep terrorists out of North America by announcing $7.7 billion for personal and economic security, according to the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA).

Announced in a budget speech, the financing includes $600 million over the next five years to fund infrastructure projects to facilitate cross-border trade in all parts of Canada. This will include new or improved roads and highways to border crossings and processing centers for commercial vehicles.

Most of the money — to be spent over the next three to five years — will be allocated to intelligence and policing, better screening of new entrants into Canada, enhanced emergency preparedness, support for the military, and enhanced airport security. These initiatives will take up $6.5 billion of the total.

The remaining $1.2 billion will be allocated as follows:

  • $646 million over the next five years to implement pre-screening programs for frequent travelers, detection equipment, and establishment of Integrated Border Enforcement Teams.

  • Martin revived his earlier commitment from the 2000 budget for a $600-million/four-year transportation infrastructure fund, which will be launched in 2002.

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