Security concerns overshadow Canada Games opening
Posted Feb 11, 2011 09:43:28 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Gearing up for the opening ceremonies for the 2011 Canada Winter Games should be a joyous occasion but is being overshadowed by the resignation of the volunteer co-head of security.
CEO Chris Morrissey explains the games are not the Olympics and have been assessed as having low security concerns. He outlines some of the top concerns for the two-week games.
“Certain people can only be in certain places. So for athletes, it’s very specific. It’s ‘field’ and ‘play,’ and only certain individuals are allowed there,” said Morrissey explaining staff will be checking badges at every access point.
Staff will also be checking to ensure athletes make it back to their hotel rooms each night and that electronic equipment doesn’t “walk away.”
Halifax police Sgt. Dave Worrell quit over staffing and equipment concerns.
Despite the concern, the Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed Stephen Harper will attend the opening ceremonies for the 2011 Canada Games tonight.
Harper and Premier Darrell Dexter are scheduled to deliver remarks during the two-hour event which will be broadcast live to a national audience.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Metro Centre.
