OTTAWA – The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing $2 million for 10 new research projects to advance Canada’s capability to prevent and prepare for safety and security threats, whether caused by terrorist or criminal activity, accident, or natural disaster.
A public Call for Proposals took place in November 2008. Private sector and academic recipients were chosen to receive funding based on how their project responds to science and technology priorities for public safety and security. These research projects are funded under the Public Security Technical Program (PSTP) managed by Defence Research and Development Canada, an agency of the Department of National Defence.
“These projects will provide DND’s partners in the public security community with the necessary tools to fight threats to the safety of Canadians,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay. “This funding will also act as a catalyst for innovations in cutting edge technology.”
“Keeping Canadians safe is a priority for the Government of Canada,” stated the Honourable Peter Van Loan. “Through these research projects, we seek to augment Canada’s resilience to disruptions and disasters – whether they are naturally occurring or deliberate acts. This funding initiative, and the opportunities it presents to partner with the private sector, supports Canada’s goals in the areas of national public safety and security.”
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See backgrounder for list of projects and partners.
Government of Canada Invests $2 Million to Bolster Canada's Safety and Security
[ Backgrounder - 6 April 2009 ]
For more information, visit www.css.drdc-rddc.gc.ca or contact:
Martin Champoux, DRDC
(613) 992-7237
