Intention to cancel Cancel Marine Security Enforcement Team program
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THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - November 5, 2018 (LSN) MP Dave Van Kesteren recently made aware of the Liberal Government’s intention to cancel the MSET program in Ontario. MSET is a joint operation between the Canadian Coast Guard and the RCMP to protect the entirety of the Great Lakes. MSET patrols known smuggling routes and intercepts guns, drugs, contraband tobacco and other illegal items destined for organized crime in Canada.
The Marine Security Enforcement Team (MSET) program is a joint Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)-Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) project that was established in 2005 to enhance marine security in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway (GL-SLS) area. The program combines the law enforcement powers of the RCMP (Marine Security Enforcement Teams) with CCG vessels (Descriptions of the commissioned vessels and hovercrafts) and expertise in order to provide an armed, on-water law enforcement capacity in one of Canada’s busiest marine regions.
There are currently four dedicated MSET units operating in the GL-SLS area, each consisting of RCMP officers working in uniform aboard patrol vessels that are operated and maintained by CCG personnel. The role of these units is to patrol the GL-SLS area, provide on-water law enforcement, and be able to deliver a fast, armed response to potential threats.
CCG is expected to receive the first of four new mid-shore patrol vessels in Spring 2012 for the purpose of replacing the existing interim MSET vessels. All four new vessels are expected to be in service by the fall of 2012. These new vessels will greatly enhance the effectiveness of the MSET program with their improved range, speed and ability to operate in difficult weather conditions.
The success of the MSET program demonstrates the success of Canada’s multi-agency approach to maritime security, where the unique expertise of each marine security partner can be brought together to achieve a more secure marine environment.