Canada introduces CSSP to enhance national security

The Canadian Government has introduced the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP) in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada to enhance its national security, National Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Public Safety’s Parliamentary Secretary Candice Hoeppner said in a joint statement.

Through the convergence of science and technology with policy, operations and intelligence, the CSSP is aimed to enhance Canada’s ability to anticipate, prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, crime, natural disasters, and serious accidents.

In addition to improving the management, the programme will provide enhanced capability for Canadian Government to protect its streets and borders.

MacKay said that the $43.5m annual federal investment will support the science and technology capabilities development to assist in preventing crises while enabling better response and recovery in case of an incident.

The investment will also ensure collaboration between all levels of government, industry and academia, as well as professionals in emergency management and response, public health, law enforcement and intelligence to prevent crisis for Canada.

"This new program provides Canada a technological advantage to cope with disasters, minimizing as much as possible their impact on the lives and livelihoods of Canadians," MacKay added.

DRDC Chief Executive Officer Marc Fortin said: "The new program builds on these successes and brings together the best science and technology in support of Canada’s public safety and national security priorities."

Managed through Defence Research and Development Canada, the investments in CSSP seek further capabilities in areas including chemical, biological, radiological-nuclear and explosives threats, border and transportation security, emergency management, surveillance and intelligence, cybersecurity, interoperability and critical infrastructure.