NR – 08.011 - February 22, 2008
OTTAWA – Defence Research and Development Canada today announced a federal investment of more than $30 million for 20 new research projects chosen to strengthen Canada’s ability to deal with potential chemical, biological, radiological-nuclear and explosives threats.
“I would like to congratulate all the teams receiving funding this year. These projects will ensure Canada remains a world leader in science and technology-based security research,” said Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “The partnerships forged through this unique research initiative are a clear demonstration that cooperation between government, academia and industry can yield great results for a safer Canada.”
Funding for these projects is provided through the Chemical, Biological, Radiological-Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI) following a selection process in which applicants demonstrated how their project responds to science and technology priorities for public safety and security.
“It was a requirement that the projects submitted involve collaborations among all levels of government, industry and academia, here in Canada and abroad,” said Dr. Robert Walker, Assistant Deputy Minister (Science and Technology), Department of National Defence, and Chief Executive Officer of Defence R&D Canada. “By fostering these partnerships, the Government of Canada is ensuring that the best ideas are brought to the table when it comes to enhancing Canada’s safety and security.”
The specified priorities for this round of projects were: Risk Assessment and Priority Setting, Explosives Threats and Capabilities, Medical and Casualty Management, Public Confidence and Socio-Behavioural Factors, Criminal and National Security Investigation Capabilities, Security of the Food System and System-of-Systems Approach to Capability Management.
The CRTI was originally launched in May 2002 as a five-year, $170 million initiative to enhance Canada’s ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to terrorism involving chemical, biological, and radiological-nuclear threats. Funding for CRTI originated from the 2001 Public Security and Anti-Terrorism budget, which was announced after the events of September 11, 2001. CRTI was renewed in December 2006 for an additional five years, with new funding totalling $175 million under an expanded mandate to include explosives projects and a focus on developing multi-purpose technologies to battle CBRNE threats. Today’s announcement marks the second round of project funding since the CRTI’s renewal.
CRTI is administered by the Centre for Security Science, a joint endeavour of Defence R&D Canada (DRDC) and Public Safety Canada that was created in 2006. DRDC is an agency of the Department of National Defence, responding to the scientific and technological needs of the Canadian Forces and national security communities. With a broad scientific program, DRDC actively collaborates with industry, international allies, academia, other government departments and the national security community.
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See attached backgrounder for project information and list of all partners.
For other information, visit www.css.drdc-rddc.gc.ca or contact:
Danya Vidosa
DRDC Centre for Security Science
(613) 944-8167
