November 17, 2004 OTTAWA -- In an ongoing bid to bolster Canada's preparedness for, prevention of and response to a wide range of terrorist attacks - including Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats - the CBRN Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI) today announced its fourth call for proposals. CRTI has already invested $95.2 million in 65 projects and $20.6 million in 47 technology acquisitions since September 2001. "This current round of proposals will further strengthen Canada's counter-terrorism capabilities," says Dr. Cam Boulet, Director of the CRTI Secretariat. "In addition to ongoing R&D we want to get emerging technologies into the hands of first responders as quickly as possible." To date, funding has resulted in the creation of numerous state-of-the-art counter-terrorism technologies, including mobile labs capable of responding to radiological incidents within 24 hours virtually anywhere in Canada, and a rapid triage management system that will allow medical and emergency personnel to deal with mass casualty scenarios. "These investments have put Canada at the forefront of international expertise in science and technology for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection and defence," says Dr. Boulet. Established in response to the events of September 11, 2001 - which moved the issues of counter terrorism and national security to the fore of the nation's concerns - CRTI is a five-year, $170 million inter-departmental fund set up to address CBRN threats as a part of the federal government's comprehensive $7.7 billion security package announced in Budget 2001. Proposals are being called for in the following three categories: Technology Acceleration: These projects would be designed to get technologies already in commercial development into the hands of first responders in an expedited fashion. Research and Technology Development: These projects would focus on closing the traditional gap between the scientific research community and those who develop the operational technologies that will be used to respond to future CBRN threats. Technology Demonstration: These projects would create opportunities and venues that demonstrate the impact and utility of emerging technologies among first responders. The selection of CRTI proposals involves a two-step process in which brief synopses, due by January 5, 2005, will be screened by a selection committee to ensure relevance to the CRTI investment priorities and to advise applicants of opportunities for collaboration with other submissions. Successfully screened applicants will then be invited to submit detailed proposals by February 12, 2005. Participating departments and agencies have joined CRTI because their specific mandates and expertise are key to the overall safety and security of Canadians. The departments and agencies participating in CRTI are Defence R&D Canada (DRDC), Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, Health Canada, Environment Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, National Research Council Canada, Natural Resources Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the Privy Council Office, Transport Canada, the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. CRTI is led by DRDC, an agency within the Department of National Defence, comprising a national network of six defence research centres. The Agency works in collaboration with private industry, allied forces and academia to respond to the needs of the Canadian Forces. Dr. John Leggat, CEO of DRDC, is the Chairman of the CRTI Steering Committee. - 30 - For more information about CRTI or submitting a proposal, please visit: www.crti.drdc-rddc.gc.ca For media enquiries only, please contact: CRTI Communications Defence R&D Canada (613) 995-8008
