Minister Garneau’s appearance before the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN) on Main Estimates 2020-21 and Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21 held on November 5, 2020

53. FROM THE TC TO THE RCMP TO POLICE THE CONFEDERATION BRIDGE IN THE NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT

From the TC to the RCMP to police the Confederation Bridge in the Northumberland Strait

Transferring $382,163 in the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates B

 The Transportation Infrastructure Program is seeking to transfer $382,163 in planned spending authorities from Department of Transport to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for policing services on the Confederation Bridge. 

Key Messages: 

  • The funding is provided through Transport Canada’s Operating Vote for policing services in respect of the Confederation Bridge for 2020-2021.
  • The objectives of the program are to provide policing services to ensure safety and security on the bridge.
  • Transport Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Province of Prince Edward Island negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the provision of policing services on the bridge for three years, beginning in 2019-20.  This transfer will cover the 2020-21 policing costs.
  • The funds will allow for policing services to be provided on the bridge thus ensuring the safety and security of its users. If pressed:  
  • The federal government owns the Confederation Bridge and is responsible for providing policing services to ensure safety and security on the bridge.   Background  
  • The federal government owns the Confederation Bridge and is responsible to provide for policing services for the bridge.  
  • Officials from Transport Canada, the RCMP, and the Government of Prince Edward Island negotiated a Memorandum of Agreement for the provision of policing services on the bridge for three fiscal years, beginning in 2019-20.  
  • Funding is transferred directly to the RCMP’s Operating Vote on an annual basis through the Supplementary Estimates process.