The Hague, Netherlands - 25 March 2014
Nuclear terrorism remains one of today’s most significant global security challenges. The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to work with international partners to enhance nuclear security, combat nuclear terrorism, and prevent terrorist organizations from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and related material and expertise.
To this end, on March 25, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced more than $28 million in support through Canada’s Global Partnership Program (GPP) towards projects that will enhance the physical security of nuclear facilities and radioactive sources, and combat illicit trafficking in countries in Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Select projects will be delivered in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Canadian nuclear industry.
The GPP is the main mechanism through which Canada supports international efforts to combat weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation and terrorism. Since its establishment in 2002, the Program has provided roughly $970 million for programming to reduce the threat of WMD terrorism.
The support announced today includes:
Enhancing the Physical Security of Nuclear Facilities
Location: Various countries in Southeast Asia
Cost: $5.5 million
These projects will reduce the likelihood of nuclear materials theft from poorly secured nuclear facilities. Theft from such facilities remains a key avenue by which terrorists can acquire materials for their own ends. By investing in strengthening the physical protection systems at vulnerable installations, Canada can directly assist partners in efforts to strengthen the global nuclear security regime.
Preventing the Illicit Trafficking of Nuclear and Radiological Material
Location: Various countries in the Americas and the Middle East
Cost: $12 million
These projects aim to combat the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials, including through the establishment and upgrade of detection capabilities at key transit points.
Promoting Security of Radioactive Sources
Location: Various countries in Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia
Cost: $10.4 million
These projects will help ensure that radioactive sources – particularly in countries with inventories of material of Canadian origin – are protected from potential loss, theft and malicious use by providing training, equipment and infrastructure that will enhance the secure management of these sources.
Joint Project with Canadian Nuclear Industry
Location: All countries
Cost: $250,000
This project involves partnering with the World Institute for Nuclear Security to develop senior-level training courses and instruction methodologies related to nuclear security. This project will directly involve participation from Canadian nuclear industry leader Bruce Power.
Projects will be implemented over the next 24 months.
