The Government of Canada will assist Canada's ports with the cost of modernizing and strengthening their security systems and programs. The funding announcement was made by Transport Minister Tony Valeri at the Port of Halifax's Pier 21. The Marine Facility Security Contribution Program is a three-year, $115 million commitment to assist ports and port facilities with security enhancements. It forms part of the Government of Canada's National Security Policy announced on April 27, 2004 by Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan. "Canada's ports are among the most competitive in the world," said Mr. Valeri. In compliance with new international security requirements…