MONTREAL, May 7 /CNW Telbec/ - 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------Backgrounder
Radiation Detection Equipment at Canada's Marine PortsThe 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 portal is 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.
For more information, please visit the CBSA's Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.
For further information: Mélisa Leclerc, Director of Communications,
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, (613)
991-2863; Amélie Morin, Communications, Canada Border Services Agency -
Montréal, (514) 350-6130
