OTTAWA – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced investments of approximately $20 million for innovative science and technology projects to enhance Canadian public safety and security. These projects strengthen Canada’s ability to anticipate, prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism, crime, natural disasters, and serious accidents.
“Our government is investing resources to ensure Canadian institutions are better prepared and have a greater resilience to public safety and security threats, both here at home and around the world,”
said Minister MacKay. “These projects bring together the best minds from government, industry and academia, nationally and internationally, to support the development of knowledge, tools, processes, advice and strategies that are essential for safeguarding Canada.”
The 26 private sector, academic and government projects were identified in a public call for proposals issued in September 2012. The projects are to be led by 16 different federal, provincial, territorial and municipal organizations across the country in accordance with priorities for public safety and security. These projects are funded under the Canadian Safety and Security Program, led by Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science.
“It is through investments such as these that our government continues to contribute to the growth of Canadian industry,”
said the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety. “Public Safety Canada is proud to partner with the Department of National Defence and Defence Research and Development Canada to support projects that will have the strongest impact on issues of concern for public safety and which respond to Canadian public safety and security priorities.”
Defence Research and Development Canada is the national leader in defence and security science and technology. As an agency of Canada’s Department of National Defence, Defence Research and Development Canada provides the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces and other government departments as well as the public safety and national security communities with the knowledge and technology advantage needed to defend and protect Canada’s interests at home and abroad.
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