News Release

National 2007

Canada's New Government enhances security at Port of Montreal

Montréal, Quebec, May 7, 2007 — The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and the Minister Responsible for Montréal , today unveiled new radiation detection equipment at the Port of Montreal.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that Canada’s New Government is taking action to make our borders smarter and more secure by introducing new radiation detection equipment at the Port of Montreal,” said Minister Day. “This new technology will add a significant layer of security at this port while helping to facilitate the smooth flow of legitimate trade and travel,” he added.

“New radiation detection equipment at the Port of Montreal is great news for the people of Montreal,” said Minister Fortier. “The new equipment will be an important tool for the port, which is the most direct, most profitable route between North America’s industrial heartland and the Northern European and Mediterranean markets,” he added.

“This radiation detection equipment now installed at the Port of Montreal integrates state-of-the art technology that will enhance the Canada Border Services Agency’s ability to scan containerized cargo upon its arrival at our port’s terminals,” said Dominic J. Taddeo, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.

The Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) radiation detection equipment locates and identifies sources of both natural and artificial radiation to prevent potential threats from entering Canada.

This new radiation detection technology will help protect Canada's security by detecting potentially dangerous substances.

Systems are operating at terminals in Saint John and now Montréal, and installation is ongoing in Vancouver and Halifax.

For more information, please see the Backgrounder or visit the CBSA’s Web Site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.

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For media information:

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863

CBSA Media Relations - Quebec Region

Backgrounder

Radiation Detection Equipment at Canada's Marine Ports

The Government of Canada takes advantage of the best available science and technology to develop tools to help prevent contraband and dangerous goods from entering Canada.

The equipment

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) uses two main tools to detect radiation in a marine container: radiation detection portals and carborne units. These tools each have specific functions that complement one another to detect radiation. This equipment does not emit radiation – it only detects radiation and is completely safe for employees to use.

A radiation detection portalis a set of two four-metre-high panels that are anchored to the ground and placed wide enough apart for a container to pass through. When a container is taken off a vessel, it is placed on a transport vehicle and driven through the portal. This automated screening system can quickly scan cargo containers to determine if radiation is present and, if so, the level of radiation detected. The size and position of the portals allow a large number of containers to be screened while ensuring the smooth operation and security of the port.

The carborne unit is normally used during a secondary examination of a container. This mobile screening system is mounted onto the roof of a vehicle and can detect the precise types and levels of radiation. If a container is selected for a carborne unit scan, it does not mean that dangerous radiation exists. It only means that further analysis is needed to verify the contents of the container.

The network

A state-of-the-art communications network allows the information gathered from the radiation detection equipment to be transferred in real time to the National Risk Assessment Centre (NRAC) for analysis. NRAC, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, evaluates the data and determines if additional steps need to be taken. Should NRAC require further assistance, the CBSA’s Laboratory and Scientific Services Directorate (LSSD) is available to provide immediate analysis of the data from the on-site equipment. Scientists and engineers at the LSSD have specialized training in radiation protection and gamma spectroscopy.

Working with partners for a safe Canada

Through careful planning and consultations, radiation detection portals are strategically positioned at the earliest point of entry to screen virtually 100 per cent of incoming containers to Canadian ports without interrupting port operations.