NR–05.034 - May 3, 2005 OTTAWA -- Canada is investing $18.3 million in new projects by the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI). Of that sum, $15.9 million will go into research, technology acceleration and technology demonstration projects, and $2.4 million will be used to buy technology for federal laboratories. "This round of project funding will enhance Canada's comprehensive preparedness against terrorist threats," said Defence Minister Bill Graham. "This initiative contributes to the government's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Strategy through a co-ordinated research and development approach with government, industry and international academia." The new projects will be in the following specialties: health of plants and animals, and biosecurity of food, water, and agriculture and forest crops; command and control for planning and response; science and technology for training and equipment for first-responders; long-term consequences management; and criminal investigation capabilities. CRTI is a $170-million, five-year interdepartmental initiative to enhance Canada's capacity to deal with potential CBRN threats to public security. This latest funding is part of the comprehensive $7.7-billion security package announced in Budget 2001. Since its launch in May 2002, CRTI has invested $92 million in 52 projects and spent $23.8 million on 65 technology acquisitions. The result of collaboration by the federal government's science-based and security departments and agencies, CRTI is led by Defence R&D Canada, an agency of the Department of National Defence. -30- For details of the new CRTI projects, see the Backgrounder on this topic. For other information, visit www.crti.drdc-rddc.gc.ca or contact: CRTI Secretariat Defence R&D Canada (613) 995-8008
