Canada unveils new mass transit security plan

The government of Canada unveiled a plan, which includes $110 million in funding, to enhance the security of its passenger rail and public transit systems. The Immediate Action Plan, as it is called, will provide financial assistance, based on a targeted, risk-management approach to high-volume commuter rail and public transit operators in six urban areas — Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Five components make up the action plan, including: -Enhancing Transport Canada's ability to provide security expertise and specialized technology assessments and to coordinate development and sharing of best practices with its partners in rail and public transit security. -Conducting mass transit emergency preparedness exercises to be held in collaboration with key jurisdictions and stakeholders. -Creating a new Mass Transit Task Force on intelligence, policing and response.