PM announces support for the Canada Centre for Global Security Studies

April 29, 2010

Centre’s Research to Contribute to National and International Security

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the Government of Canada’s support for the creation of the Canada Centre for Global Security Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs at University of Toronto to address global security issues.  The Prime Minister made the announcement in a speech to the G-8/G-20 Business Summit organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
 
“Canada plays an active role in promoting global security at the G8 and through a broad range of other international activities,” said Prime Minister Harper. “This new Centre will help us develop deeper expertise in addressing global security concerns.”
 
The Canada Centre for Global Security Studies will study current and emerging security issues such as global conflict and strategy, terrorism and cyber security.  It will attract top researchers and world leading specialists who will work with their Canadian counterparts on innovative solutions to the most pressing global security issues.
 
Government support, provided through the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will be provided over 4 years, and will support the renovation and establishment of a new facility, an exciting array of new programs, and the operations of the Canada Centre. 
 


Backgrounder
                                                            
CANADA CENTRE FOR GLOBAL SECURITY STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO’S MUNK SCHOOL OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS

Global security is among the most urgent and complex issues facing the world today.  Canada is an active partner in efforts to promote global security.  These efforts serve to protect Canadians at home and abroad and to contribute to a more stable and prosperous international environment.
 
Recognizing that in today’s society a nation’s most valuable commodity and its best defence is its knowledge, the Government is providing $25 million over four years in support of the creation the Canada Centre for Global Security Studies (Canada Centre) located at the university’s Munk School of Global Affairs.  The funding will be used for start-up capital and operating costs and supporting the renovation and establishment of the new facility. 
 
The Centre, which will be funded through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will  generate research and policy analysis on security challenges that are central to Canada’s future security and prosperity, including global conflict and strategy, terrorism, and cyber security.
 
 
Benefits:

The Canada Centre for Global Security Studies will:

• Contribute to improving national and international security through its research;
• Provide Canada with the opportunity to show leadership in this area, attracting leading researchers and specialists from around the globe; and
• Promote economic development in Southern Ontario through job creation and through research on how border security is impacting on the region’s trade and competitiveness.

More information is available on the FedDev Ontario website at www.feddevontario.gc.ca.