Government of Canada supports local first responders across Canada

News Release

New federal investments will provide tools and knowledge to better support first responders

June 26, 2015

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA — Associate Defence Minister Julian Fantino announced five innovative new projects that will support local first responders – notably firefighters and paramedics - across Canada.

The initiatives were announced as part of a $12 million investment in new projects approved under the latest round of projects funded through the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP).

Three projects will aim to improve support for Canada's firefighters by investing in a pilot National Fire Information Database, the development of models to better predict large wildfires, and strategies to improve recruiting and retaining of volunteer firefighters.

Two projects will aim to improve support for paramedics by investing in a study of blood testing devices and another study of health and wellness indicators for paramedics to help inform operational decisions.

Quick Facts

Proposals, which will invest approximately $12 million in innovative projects across Canada. Since 2013, the CSSP has invested approximately $47 million to fund innovative projects to enhance the public safety and security of Canadians.
The Canadian Safety and Security Program is led by Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science, in partnership with Public Safety Canada.
The CSSP’s mission is to strengthen Canada’s ability to anticipate, mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover from terrorist acts, crime, natural disasters, and serious accidents.
CSSP projects bring together experts from the fields of science, technology, public safety and security in non-government organizations, industry, government, and academia — nationally and internationally — to develop and improve knowledge and tools to better safeguard Canada.

Quotes

“As a former Chief of Police, I know firsthand how important local first responders are in communities across Canada. These brave men and women save countless lives each and every day. I'm proud that the Government of Canada is supporting their work in yet another way by investing in these innovative projects to ensure they have the tools and knowledge they need.”
Julian Fantino, Associate Defence Minister

“Our Government is working with first responders to protect Canada and our communities by supporting research on issues related to global and domestic safety and security threats and risks. The Canadian Safety and Security Program funding and projects foster innovative science and technology solutions that will reduce the risk and impacts of emergencies and will better enable Canadians to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from them.”
Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“The Paramedic Chiefs of Canada (PCC) applaud the work of the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP) for their dedication to research in the Paramedic Community. The partnership between the PCC and CSSP has been invaluable to advancing Paramedic Services in Canada.”
Randy Mellow, President, Paramedic Chiefs of Canada

“The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) is highly appreciative of the investments that the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP) is making to support the work of firefighters. The collaborative approach behind the program ensures that science and technology (S&T) experts are working closely with the responder community so that the S&T tools and knowledge developed truly meet their needs.”
Paul Boissonneault, President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

Associated Links

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Contacts

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) – Department of National Defence Media Relations Office
1-866-377-0811
Follow DRDC (@DRDC_RDDC) on Twitter
For more information, please visit www.drdc-rddc.gc.ca and www.science.gc.ca/cssp

Public Safety Canada – Media Relations
613-991-0657
Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.
For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

Media inquiries

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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Hon. Julian Fantino National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Military

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Government of Canada supports local first responders across Canada

News Release

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