March 28, 2009
No. 83
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada will contribute $4 million to strengthen nuclear security in countries of the former Soviet Union through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Security Fund (NSF). This contribution—Canada’s third to the NSF—will complement the nuclear security improvements made previously.
“Nuclear terrorism is a global threat that demands a global response,” said Minister Cannon. “Despite the progress achieved through international cooperation, a significant quantity of nuclear material remains vulnerable, and the daunting spectre of nuclear terrorism has not abated. Our contribution to the IAEA underscores our commitment to making Canada and the world safer by supporting concrete, multilateral efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism.”
This contribution will fund projects in Russia, Ukraine and other countries in the region to enhance the security of nuclear materials so as to prevent terrorist use of an improvised nuclear device. These projects will also prevent terrorist acquisition of other highly radioactive materials that could be used to construct a radiological dispersal device, or “dirty bomb.” Project initiatives will include the provision of equipment and training to border guards and other personnel to prevent illicit trafficking of dangerous nuclear and other radioactive materials.
All these measures are being taken through the Global Partnership Program, Canada’s contribution to the G8’s Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Canada has pledged up to $1 billion over 10 years to the Partnership, which addresses a number of practical non-proliferation, counterterrorism and security issues related to weapons of mass destruction.
For more information on the Global Partnership Program, please consult: www.international.gc.ca/gpp-ppm/global_partnership-partenariat_mondial.aspx.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
