EVES
GOVERNMENT TO JOIN NORTHEASTERN
UNITED STATES IN COUNTER-TERRORISM ACTIVITIES
BURLINGTON, VT. — Bob Runciman,
Minister of Public Safety and Security, for the
province of Ontario, is meeting with the Northeast
United States Homeland Security Directors on counter-terrorism
planning, training and exercises, this week.
“Terrorists respect no borders,”
Runciman said. “It’s essential that
Ontario work with our nearest American neighbours
to co-ordinate counter-terrorism planning and
take part in security-related training and exercises
with them.”
On behalf of the government of Ontario,
Runciman endorsed the principles of the Northeast
Regional Homeland Security Agreement, which commits
the province to co-operate in the development
of homeland security strategies, establish best
practices and share information with states in
the northeastern United States.
Runciman is in Burlington, Vermont,
to discuss the need for a co-operative approach
to security and to explain Ontario’s concept
for a security perimeter to protect North America
from terrorists. The meeting is attended by representatives
from various governments including Connecticut,
Delaware, Massachusetts, Montreal, New Brunswick,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York State, Ontario,
Pennsylvania, Quebec, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Security agencies represented are the FBI, the
OPP, the RCMP, the U.S. Attorney’s Office,
the U.S. Coast Guard, the Vermont Army National
Guard and Vermont State Police.
“Terrorism poses a threat
to all of us,” Runciman said. “We
must work together to ensure our security procedures
and emergency management plans are compatible.
By working as a team we will be better prepared
for any eventuality.”
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