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Released: 15 June, 1999
Revenue Canada Customs And Vancouver Port Authority Sign Anti-Smuggling Agreement
Vancouver, June 15, 1999 The
Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of National Revenue and M.P. (Vancouver
South-Burnaby), and David Stowe, Chairman of the Vancouver Port Authority, today
announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at combating
smuggling at the Port of Vancouver. The announcement was made at a news
conference at the Port Vancouver Public Viewing Centre.
"Good border management
is a balancing act," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "We want to facilitate the
movement of cargo while at the same time putting a stop to the smuggling of
drugs and other contraband."
The Honourable David
Collenette, Minister of Transport, added: "Port Vancouver is one of
Canada's most important gateways. The Port handled 72 million tonnes of cargo in
1998, shipping to and from many points around the world. Safety is Transport
Canada's top priority and today's announcement will enhance safety and security
at Port Vancouver."
"This is Canada's
largest and busiest marine gateway," said Mr. Stowe. "Agreements such
as this one add value to our operations by ensuring the highest level of
co-operation between agencies within our port. And as a 'good neighbour' to
eight municipalities, Port Vancouver has a responsibility to support initiatives
that help the community."
The MOU includes commitments
to:
- heighten
awareness of problems related to the smuggling of drugs and other
contraband;
- promote
increased security at locations where there are identified risks;
- assist
in efforts to detect and investigate smuggling attempts;
- facilitate
the exchange of information between Revenue Canada and the Vancouver Port
Authority; and
- discuss
security procedures and other matters of mutual interest.
Port Vancouver is Canada's
largest and most diverse port, employing over 10,700 people and trading more
than $30 billion in goods each year, with more than 90 nations. In 1998, the
port handled a record 840,098 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit containers).
"
43C/99
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