Canada is an important strategic market for UK Defence and Security companies. It is one of the world’s richest and most technologically advanced countries and ranks among the top 10 industrial powers.
Canada is a member of the Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP), the North American Aerospace Defence (NORAD) Agreement and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
There are very strong trade links between the UK and Canada. Canada has similar culture, business and legal systems and English is widely spoken. After the U.S., the UK is Canada’s second largest global trading partner. British security experience and expertise is highly regarded. This makes Canada a ‘soft-landing’ for new or experienced UK exporters.
Opportunities continue to grow in both the Defence and Security sectors. If a UK company has a product or service currently used by M.O.D., UK police or security sector end users, there may well be a potential market for them in Canada. Post will be happy to advise on this as required.
Government Funding
Defence funding for the next 20 years has been increased to support the Canada First Defence Strategy. This is expected to expand the Defence budget from approximately $18 billion in 2008-09 to over $30 billion by 2027-28.
The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) is expected to invest up to $225 million per year for R&D in the Canadian aerospace, defence, security and space industries.
Defence Research and Development Canada is investing more than $30 million for 20 new research projects chosen to strengthen Canada’s ability to deal with potential chemical, biological, radiological-nuclear and explosives threats.
Budget 2009 included $282 million over 2 years for measures to support the development of aviation security plans, improve operations of the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority and implement a new passenger assessment system. These measures include new, advanced, internationally compatible screening equipment and other technology and training for the screening workforce to increase levels of security and efficiency.
Budget 2009 also provided $14 million to support the implementation of a new security program for cargo departing from Canadian airports.
The Canadian Government will invest a further $80 million to ensure that Canada’s shared border with the United States remains secure and efficient.
- The Government of Canada is providing up to $2.5 million over five years to the Canadian arm of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF Canada) to implement a hazardous materials (HazMat) training program.
Ferry Security
- $393,000 government grant announced in December 2008 to increase security on the ferry between Halifax and Dartmouth.
- $5.6 million marine security contribution program government grant to B.C.’s coastal ferry system and Vancouver’s SeaBus commuter ferry service announced in January 2009.
- $1.3 million government funding towards security measures for various Quebec ferry service operators announced in January 2009.
The Public Security Technical Program (PSTP) is a federally funded science and technology (S&T) program led by the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Centre for Security Science (CSS) on behalf of the Government of Canada.
The PSTP program consists of four theme areas:
1) Chemical, Biological, Radiological-Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Threats
2) Critical Infrastructure (CI) Protection
3) Surveillance, Intelligence, and Interdiction (SII)
4) Emergency Management and Systems Interoperability (EMSI)
OPPORTUNITIES
The Government of Canada continues to deliver on its commitment to strengthen Canada's multi-role, combat-capable defence force. The Department of National Defence (DND) is purchasing equipment and related support services for the Canadian Forces (CF) and there are currently several new major equipment procurement projects underway. Projects include the acquisition of a fleet of land combat vehicles and systems, ships to replace the frigates and destroyers and next-generation fighter aircraft. All new equipment will incorporate latest advances in technology and information systems.
In addition to major fleet replacement programs, DND will continue to make ongoing investments in other capital projects to improve and replace key existing equipment and capabilities. These projects will focus on individual weapons, command, control and communications equipment and smaller support vehicles. DND will also look at acquiring radars and satellites to improve surveillance capabilities, especially in the Arctic. Current acquisition programs include the $310 million Integrated Soldier System Project.
The Government of Canada and Department of National Defence are constantly looking for new and innovative technologies.
Opportunities also continue to grow across the security sector, including but not limited to:
- Border security, including Arctic surveillance
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Sensors - Technologies relating to air, land and maritime sensors and their interfaces
- Chemical / Biological / Radiological (CBR) Hazard Assessment, Identification and Protection
- Air transport security
- Port and marine security, including ferry services
- Cargo screening/security
- Autonomous Intelligent Systems / Unmanned Vehicle Systems
- Information sharing, interoperability and C4ISR
- Cyber security
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