Ottawa pledges $1.1M to counter-terrorism research
The federal government is devoting $1.1 million to terrorism-related research, the first round of funding in a five-year commitment made to honour Air India bombing victims.
Public Safety Minister Vic Toews announced the initial investment at a news conference in Ottawa alongside Immigration Minister Jason Kenney on Wednesday.
"Threats evolve, and we must strive to improve our knowledge and understanding to more effectively address these threats," said Minister Toews.
Nearly a year ago, the Canadian government pledged to invest $10 million over five years on research into terrorism and counter-terrorism.
The initiative was launched to mark the 26th anniversary of the day Air India Flight 182 was bombed, killing 329 people -- most of whom were Canadian.
At the news conference, Toews said it was important to build a "base of understanding" to detect and respond to the threat of violent extremism.
Part of the Kanishka Project, named for the plane involved in the Air India tragedy, involves building a network of scholars to research terrorism in a Canadian context.
Academics with terrorism-related research proposals have been invited to apply for funding. Ottawa is in the midst of reviewing a second round of proposals, and in the meantime, has released details about the first round of winning pitches.
The successful proposals include:
(To receive: $115,000 over two years)
Ottawa pledges $1.1M to counter-terrorism research | CTV Calgary
The federal government is devoting $1.1 million to terrorism-related research, the first round of funding in a five-year commitment made to honour Air India bombing victims.
Public Safety Minister Vic Toews announced the initial investment at a news conference in Ottawa alongside Immigration Minister Jason Kenney on Wednesday.
"Threats evolve, and we must strive to improve our knowledge and understanding to more effectively address these threats," said Minister Toews.
Nearly a year ago, the Canadian government pledged to invest $10 million over five years on research into terrorism and counter-terrorism.
The initiative was launched to mark the 26th anniversary of the day Air India Flight 182 was bombed, killing 329 people -- most of whom were Canadian.
At the news conference, Toews said it was important to build a "base of understanding" to detect and respond to the threat of violent extremism.
Part of the Kanishka Project, named for the plane involved in the Air India tragedy, involves building a network of scholars to research terrorism in a Canadian context.
Academics with terrorism-related research proposals have been invited to apply for funding. Ottawa is in the midst of reviewing a second round of proposals, and in the meantime, has released details about the first round of winning pitches.
The successful proposals include:
- A joint project from the University of Toronto and Ryerson University that aims to understand how communities can "foster positive social integration."
(To receive: $145,000 over three years)
- A study on "imported conflicts between and among ethno-cultural communities in Canada" by the Mosaic Institute, a Toronto-based think tank.
(To receive: $350,000 over two years)
- A Carleton University study on the structure of terrorist groups and attempts to use or acquire various types of weapons.
(To receive $60,000 over two years)
- Laval University plans to continue a summer study program related to terrorism issues. Funds from Public Safety Canada will be used to expand the program.
(To receive: a one-time contribution of $10,000)
(To receive: $115,000 over two years)
Ottawa pledges $1.1M to counter-terrorism research | CTV Calgary
