Government of Canada launches consultations on expanding security clearances at ports to strengthen our borders
Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada today launched consultations on expanding security clearances at ports to strengthen our borders and protect Canadians from threats.
The consultations will seek input on how to expand the Port Security Clearance Program (PSCP) to include more workers at ports across Canada. The PSCP currently requires workers who have access to secure areas of ports to undergo background checks and security screening.
Expanding the PSCP would help to ensure that only trusted individuals have access to secure areas of ports, where they could potentially pose a risk to our national security. It would also help to prevent unauthorized access to cargo and other goods that could be used to harm Canadians.
The consultations will focus on the following key areas:
- Expanding the PSCP to include more workers at ports
- Strengthening the security screening process for PSCP applicants
- Improving information sharing between government agencies and port authorities
- Developing a national standard for port security
The consultations will be open to all interested parties, including port authorities, unions, businesses, and the general public. The government will also be consulting with Indigenous communities to ensure that their perspectives are taken into account.
The consultations will run until March 31, 2023. The government will then review the feedback and develop a plan to expand the PSCP.
Expanding the PSCP is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen our borders and protect Canadians from threats. The government has also invested in new technology to screen cargo and people at ports, and has increased the number of border guards to patrol our borders.
Quotes
“Our ports are vital to our economy and our way of life,” said the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety. “We need to make sure that our ports are secure and that only trusted individuals have access to them. These consultations will help us to develop a plan to expand the Port Security Clearance Program and strengthen our borders.”
“The Port Security Clearance Program is an important part of our border security system,” said the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “Expanding the program will help to ensure that our ports are safe and secure.”
Quick Facts
- The Port Security Clearance Program (PSCP) was established in 2004.
- The PSCP currently requires workers who have access to secure areas of ports to undergo background checks and security screening.
- The government is proposing to expand the PSCP to include more workers at ports.
- The consultations will run until March 31, 2023.
Associated Links
- Port Security Clearance Program
- Canada Border Services Agency
- Public Safety Canada
Government of Canada launches consultations on expanding security clearances at ports to strengthen our borders
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