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The Government of Canada will award up to $500,000 to innovative Quebec start-ups January 23, 2019 – Montréal, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) The audacity and ingenuity of young innovative entrepreneurs is key in propelling Quebec into the economy of tomorrow. It is for this reason that the Government of Canada is launching a new initiative today aimed at helping these young entrepreneurs realize their business projects: the CED Fast Forward Challenge. The Challenge will allow dynamic young entrepreneurs to seize opportunities presented by ever-changing economic and technological conditions. The Challenge is being launched today by the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Gr'ce—Westmount, who is extending an invitation to young people across Quebec who have entrepreneurial flair and who work in the high-tech sector to submit their business plans to Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) between February 8 and April 1, 2019. In May 2019, 20 finalists will be invited to present the most promising projects to a panel of experts. The 10 businesses with the best projects will each receive a $50,000 award to carry out their business projects. Details regarding the Challenge can be found at canada.ca/ced-fast-forward-challenge. Quotes “Talent, particularly entrepreneurial talent, is a great resource. We aim to foster the emergence of new businesses by investing directly in the development of Quebecers' talent and skills. Through this initiative, our government will help young people from across Quebec launch their businesses and make their projects a reality.” The Honourable Marc Garneau, Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Gr'ce—Westmount and Minister of Transport “Initiatives such as the CED Fast Forward Challenge give innovative businesses the boost they need to carry out their projects. Through its Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions, the Government of Canada has adopted an ambitious approach aimed at stimulating innovation and growth for everyone. It represents a firm commitment to contribute to the development of a culture of innovation and, ultimately, the creation of more quality jobs for Quebecers.” The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED Quick facts Today's announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies. The CED Fast Forward Challenge is an initiative that stems from the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions. Spearheaded by CED, and involving the participation of other federal departments, the Strategy targets 4 priorities and 14 areas of intervention aimed at fostering the adoption and development of innovative practices and ensuring the inclusive growth of all the Quebec regions. The funding was provided under CED's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. For more information about CED and its priorities, refer to the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.ced-dec.gc.ca. For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action targeting the growth of Quebec's regions and businesses. https://www.canada.ca/en/economic-development-quebec-regions/news/2019/01/innovative-quebec-start-ups-are-invited-to-participate-in-the-ced-fast-forward-challenge.html

January 23, 2019 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces As outlined in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is investing in modern, functional, and green defence infrastructure to support the evolving needs of our military. Today, Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, on behalf of Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Willow Park Armoury in Halifax. Valued at $55.2 million, this project was completed on time and under budget, and provided significant economic opportunities for the local Halifax community by creating an estimated 250 jobs during construction. The new 8,574-m2 armoury will bring together three units from the Army Reserve in Halifax, the 36 Service Battalion, 36 Signal Regiment, and 33 Field Ambulance. It includes a modern administration and training space, facilities for storing and maintaining equipment, common mess areas, a large drill hall, and an outdoor compound for military vehicles. This new facility will provide these units with the required space and facilities to carry out critical operational and training exercises, while also accommodating their future growth. Quotes “Through our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, our government is investing in a strong, modern, and capable Reserve Force. This new armoury will provide units from the Army Reserve in Halifax with functional and green infrastructure needed to carry out their important work at home and abroad, while also supporting their continued growth.” Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence “Our people are at the heart of our military's operational success. By investing in a new home for these three Reserve units, we are doing our part to support their well-being, while also ensuring they have the facilities needed to support their critical operations and training.” Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development “The opening of this new armoury represents an important milestone for the local Halifax community. In addition to directly supporting the important work of our Canadian Armed Forces, the new facility was built with environmental efficiency in mind, helping to reduce its carbon footprint in support of a cleaner, greener, Canada.” Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism Quick facts The new facility will be used by three Army Reserve units: 36 Service Battalion, 36 Signal Regiment, and 33 Field Ambulance. Contracts were awarded to two companies in Bedford, N.S. for this project. Bird Design-Build Construction Inc. was awarded a contract for the design and construction of the new armoury, as well as the demolition of two obsolete buildings. Dexter Construction Company Ltd. was awarded a contract for the demolition of a third obsolete building. Completed in August 2018, the new armoury was designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver standards, and incorporates green building concepts to minimize its footprint. Green infrastructure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Department's buildings and non-military vehicles by 40 percent (from 2005 levels) by 2030, and supports the new federal emissions reduction target of 80 percent by 2050. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/01/government-inaugurates-new-armoury-for-halifax-army-reserve.html

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN The case dates back to 2016 when the Canadian International Trade Tribunal ruled that the process which awarded a truck contact to Mack Defense of the U.S. was flawed Taxpayers are on the hook for potentially tens of millions of dollars after federal bureaucrats bungled the purchase of trucks for the Canadian Forces and now must make good on the lost profits for a U.S. firm. But Public Services and Procurement Canada, which oversaw the flawed defence procurement, has declined to provide details on just how much the penalties will cost the public. Defence industry representatives, however, say the penalty being paid to the U.S. company, Oshkosh, could be as high as $60 million as it has to account for lost profit on the $834-million contract as well as other expenses the firm incurred. The case dates back to 2016 when the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) ruled that the process, which awarded the truck contact to Mack Defense of the U.S., was flawed. The CITT supported the concerns of Mack's rival, Oshkosh, that there were significant issues with the evaluation of the vehicles. As a result, the tribunal called on Public Services and Procurement Canada to conduct a new evaluation of the trucks being purchased for the Canadian Forces. The CITT recommended that Oshkosh be compensated for its lost opportunity to profit But instead, the department continued with the process to buy the Mack trucks and went to federal court in 2017 to challenge the tribunal's ruling. It recently abandoned that appeal. It was revealed by the tribunal that Public Services and Procurement Canada had failed to keep many key records to support its claim that the Mack trucks met the requirements for the Canadian military. “The CITT recommended that Oshkosh be compensated for its lost opportunity to profit,” the department noted in a response to Postmedia about the settlement it reached with the firm. The department, however, declined to provide details, claiming that the payout is confidential. It did not explain why the penalties that taxpayers must shoulder should be considered secret. “This matter is now closed,” according to the department's statement. The Conservative government announced in 2015 that Mack Defense had won the $834-million contract to provide the 1,500 standard military pattern trucks as well as in-service support for the vehicles. “Truck deliveries are ongoing and expected to be completed during spring 2020,” Public Services and Procurement Canada noted. It stated that the Mack trucks meet the required standards. Oshkosh said in a statement to Postmedia that it was pleased with the financial settlement that resulted from its challenge heard by the trade tribunal. “Oshkosh cannot comment further on the details of this confidential settlement,” noted Alexandra Hittle of Oshkosh Defense. The program to purchase the trucks was originally announced in 2006 by the Conservatives but the acquisition was dogged by problems. The vehicles were supposed to be delivered in 2008 and the project was considered a priority because the vehicles they were to replace had become a safety hazard, with faulty brakes and excessive rust. But in 2012 the Conservative government temporarily shut down the project after learning that the Department of National Defence increased the cost of the project by $300 million but hadn't received permission from government to do that. The government had approved an original budget of $430 million but department and military officials began adding more capabilities to what they wanted in the vehicles, bumping the estimated cost up. DND officials continued on with the acquisition without going back to Treasury Board for approval for the extra money, angering the Conservative government. Delivery of the Mack trucks began last year and have continued to various bases throughout Canada. Earlier this month Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan highlighted the delivery of some of the trucks to a base in Quebec, noting that, “through our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, we are providing the women and men of our Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need to do their jobs.” Sajjan did not mention that the trucks were ordered under the Conservative government. dpugliese@postmedia.com https://ottawacitizen.com/news/canada/tens-of-millions-paid-out-due-to-bungled-canadian-forces-procurement-but-government-says-details-are-secret

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN HMCS Corner Brook will be the first Canadian submarine to be equipped with a new communications system. The Universal Modular Masts or UMM for Canada's Victoria class submarines are part of an equipment suite provided by the Protected Military Satellite Communications project, according to the Department of National Defence. The estimated project cost for the submarine equipment suite, including installation, is approximately $70 million, while the overall PMSC project cost is approximately $592 million. The Protected Military Satellite Communication project is in collaboration with the U.S. and other allied nations and provides the Canadian military with secure, protected, jamming-resistant satellite communications on a near world-wide basis. The UMM will improve the Victoria-class as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform, according to the DND. The mast and its associated equipment suite will provide near real-time high-speed communications with shore. Corner Brook is in its Extended Docking Work Period and installation of the mast is now underway. Babcock Canada Inc. is handling the installation under the aegis of the Victoria In-Service Support Contract. It is being done at CFB Esquimalt in British Columbia. The equipment was acquired through a foreign military sales acquisition. The cost for PMSC-supplied submarine equipment, including UMMs, is approximately $35 million, according to the DND. Installation of the UMM on Corner Brook will be complete in 2020. Installation on the other three submarines will be finished by 2026. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/hmcs-corner-brook-to-become-first-sub-equipped-with-new-communications-system

by Jeffrey F. Collins CGAI Fellow Executive Summary While both Canada and Australia share similar constitutional frameworks and imperial histories, they are also no stranger to procurement challenges. Cost overruns, delays, regionalism, and protracted intellectual property disputes have all been part of major defence acquisition projects in recent decades. This Policy Paper analyzes the largest and most expensive procurement projects undertaken by either country, Canada's $73 billion (estimated) National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), launched in 2010, and Australia's A$90 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan (NSP), launched in 2017. Each project represents an attempt to implement a rational, multi-decade approach to naval acquisition. Driven by a desire to overcome previous boom-and-bust cycles, the NSS and NSP aim to create a sustainable shipbuilding sector capable of meeting the immediate and future naval demands of Ottawa and Canberra. Neither country has attempted a shipbuilding plan on this scale before. The NSS and NSP are still in their early stages but some common themes have emerged. On implementation challenges, old problems persist. For one, the rational approach to naval shipbuilding is not devoid of procurement politics and regionalism. Determining which province or state will be home to billions in contracts over many years remains a zero-sum game no matter how arms-length the process of yard selection. Cost increases also remain a reality. Building domestically can carry a 30 per cent to 40 per cent premium. Project delays increase this premium, something Canada has already experienced when initial NSS acquisition costs, pegged at $37.7 billion nearly a decade ago, jumped to an estimated $73 billion today. Australia's delays in securing an agreement with France's Naval Group on its $A50 billion future submarine project could mean additional cost increases. In this context, schedule is king and avoiding cost increases requires keeping to planned shipbuilding schedules. Failure to do so opens production gaps and necessitates going with alternative options including building overseas (Australia) or converting commercial vessels for naval and coast guard use (Canada). Prolonged cost sensitivities raise the consideration of trade-offs on committing more money to continuous shipbuilding at the expense of acquiring other military capabilities. Canada, for instance, will need to make decisions at some point on whether to spend billions on replacing the North Warning System in the country's North. Australia will have to grapple with an Indo-Pacific region proliferating with relatively cheaper but lethal anti-ship missiles. In this context, money spent on surface combatants may be perhaps better spent on other capabilities. None of this is to say that progress has not occurred in either the NSS or NSP. Ships are getting built, including Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships in Canada, and Offshore Patrol Vessels in Australia. In 2018, both countries selected the British Type-26 as their preferred design for a new generation of surface combatants. It is very possible that these respective strategies will achieve their goals of bypassing the boom-and-bust eras, but ongoing challenges serve as a reminder that even with the best-laid plans, naval shipbuilding is a complicated affair. 1 https://www.cgai.ca/overcoming_boom_and_bust_analyzing_national_shipbuilding_plans_in_canada_and_australia

La Presse canadienne Airbus n'écarte pas la possibilité que le Québec puisse accueillir une chaîne de montage d'avions de chasse ainsi qu'un lieu destiné à la construction de satellites si le géant européen parvient à décrocher de nouveaux contrats au Canada. Ces scénarios ont été évoqués lundi par le président des activités canadiennes de la multinationale, Simon Jacques, lors d'un événement organisé par la multinationale à Mirabel, dans les Laurentides, où s'effectue l'assemblage des appareils A220, nés de la C Series de Bombardier. Airbus convoite notamment l'appel d'offres du gouvernement canadien, qui devrait être lancé avant le début de la prochaine campagne électorale, pour l'achat de 88 avions de chasse visant à remplacer ses CF-18 vieillissants. Airbus propose l'Eurofighter Typhoon. « Absolument », a répondu M. Jacques lorsqu'il lui a été demandé si la chaîne de montage pourrait se trouver au Québec. « Nous évaluons nos options. » En plus d'Airbus, les entreprises Boeing, Lockheed Martin et Saab ont été retenues par le gouvernement canadien. « La construction d'une nouvelle ligne d'assemblage, qui entraînerait la création de nombreux emplois, ne serait pas un casse-tête logistique étant donné qu'il y a de l'espace de disponible à Mirabel, dans les Laurentides, où s'effectue l'assemblage de l'avion A220 », a expliqué M. Jacques. Puisque l'appel d'offres devrait imposer du contenu local, le dirigeant d'Airbus au Canada a dit vouloir proposer une « solution canadienne ». Déjà un lien L'actionnaire majoritaire de l'A220 a décroché son premier contrat d'envergure en 2016 avec Ottawa, qui lui a commandé 16 avions de recherche et de sauvetage, une entente de 2,4 milliards de dollars, en plus de 2,3 milliards en entretien et service après-vente pour 20 ans. Le premier de ces appareils doit être livré d'ici la fin de l'année. Les CF-18 mis en service dans les années 1980 devaient être retirés d'ici 2020, mais leur remplacement s'est transformé en une longue saga. Il y a six ans, le gouvernement Harper a abandonné dans la controverse son projet d'acheter des avions de chasse F-35 sans appel d'offres pour remplacer cette flotte vieillissante. Le gouvernement Trudeau, qui avait par la suite décidé d'acheter 18 avions Super Hornet à Boeing également sans appel d'offres, a annulé cet achat en 2017 dans la foulée du conflit commercial entre Boeing et Bombardier à propos de la C Series. D'ici à ce que ce contrat se concrétise, Ottawa s'est tourné vers l'Australie pour acheter des avions de chasse provisoires. D'après M. Jacques, le Canada est « vraiment engagé » à « stimuler la concurrence », ce qui pourrait ouvrir une porte à un autre constructeur que l'américaine Boeing. « Je pense que c'est important pour le Canada d'avoir une flotte différente de ce qu'il y a aux États-Unis [avec Boeing], a-t-il dit. [Cela serait] une bonne chose pour le NORAD [Commandement de la défense aérospatiale de l'Amérique du Nord]. » Citant l'exemple du Royaume-Uni, qui est client d'Airbus et de Lockheed Martin pour sa flotte, M. Jacques a soutenu que rien n'empêchait le Canada de faire de même. Des satellites en plus? Parallèlement au dossier des avions de combat, le dirigeant d'Airbus a mentionné que l'entreprise pourrait se tourner vers le Québec pour la construction de satellites si sa proposition est retenue par Télésat Canada, un exploitant de satellites de télécommunication. Cette entreprise avait sollicité des offres à Airbus et à Thales pour le lancement en orbite « d'entre 300 et 500 satellites », selon M. Jacques, dans le cadre d'un projet entourant l'accès à Internet. « Cela viendrait changer la donne au Québec », a-t-il lancé, en évoquant au passage la création de quelque 200 emplois. Airbus dit échanger avec différents ordres de gouvernement, dont Québec et Ottawa, dans le but de s'installer dans la province si la multinationale obtient le contrat. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1146770/airbus-possibilite-assembler-avions-chasse-quebec

January 16, 2019 – Saint-Hubert, Quebec – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces As outlined in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is investing in Defence infrastructure to provide our military personnel with modern, functional, and green facilities in which to work and train. Today, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Parliamentary Secretary to the Defence Minister Serge Cormier, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new armoury at the Saint-Hubert Garrison. The project represents a $50-million investment in Reserve infrastructure and provided economic benefits for the local community, creating 230 jobs during construction. The centralized 8,824-m2 facility will co-locate multiple Reserve units and provide personnel with modern administrative spaces, training rooms, an advanced weapons simulator, vehicle and equipment storage areas, common mess facilities, and a fitness centre. Work continues on the renovation of an existing building, as well as the demolition of an aging and obsolete hanger. Quotes “Through our defence policy Strong, Secure, Engaged, our government is expanding our Reserve Force, modernizing Defence infrastructure, and taking care of the future training and operational needs of our people. I am proud that we are delivering on the new Saint-Hubert Armoury, a green and modern facility which will support the future success of Canada's Reserve Force in the Montreal South Shore area.” Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister “This new facility is a great example of the investments National Defence is making in green infrastructure across Canada. Greening Defence infrastructure will help us use less energy, lower our greenhouse gas emissions, and build a cleaner, healthier, more affordable future that we can be proud to leave our children.” Serge Cormier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence “Garrison Saint-Hubert is an integral part of the Montreal South Shore community. This kind of investment in Defence infrastructure provides economic opportunities for the region and supports our Reservists by providing them with new facilities in their communities.” Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors Quick facts The new and renovated facilities will be used by a number of Reserve Force units, including Le Régiment de Maisonneuve, 34 Service Battalion, 41 Military Police Platoon, and the 34 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters in the greater Montreal region. A $25-million contract was awarded to Laval-based Groupe Geyser Inc. for this construction project. The $2.6-million design contract was awarded to Birtz Bastien Beaudoin Laforest, and Stantec. The total project value of $50 million included construction, design fees, contract management, communications, furnishings and landscaping. Completed in December 2018, the new armoury was designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver standards. It will help Defence reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings and non-military vehicles by 40 percent (from 2005 levels) by 2030, and support the new federal emissions reduction target of 80 percent by 2050. Associated links 2nd Canadian Division - Quebec 34th Canadian Brigade Group Defence Energy and Environment Strategy https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/01/government-completes-new-armoury-at-saint-hubert-garrison.html

January 15, 2019 – Petawawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces In support of Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is providing modern, green and functional infrastructure in which our military personnel can work and train. Today, on behalf of Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, announced a project to deliver new and enhanced facilities for the Royal Canadian Dragoons at 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa. This pilot project represents the first time the Government of Canada will use the integrated project delivery approach for a construction project. This approach offers a unique way to manage construction projects and deliver results faster, by promoting greater collaboration and innovation between industry and the Crown. Valued at $80.6 million, the project is expected to provide economic opportunities for the local community and generate about 225 jobs during the construction period. It will see the renovation of three existing buildings, and the replacement of eight obsolete buildings with a single, centralized 9,900-m2 facility. These modern facilities will provide the regiment with enhanced vehicle maintenance, storage, logistics and training areas to increase collaboration and support daily operations. Quotes “Through our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, we are ensuring that the women and men of our Canadian Armed Forces have the tools, facilities and equipment they need to do the important work we ask of them. This project will provide Canadian Armed Forces members with enhanced logistics and training areas to support them in their daily operations. This new, modern infrastructure will also support our government's commitment to fighting climate change while providing good, middle class jobs for local residents.” Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister “This project represents a great investment for the Royal Canadian Dragoons, as well as the wider Ottawa Valley and Pontiac regions. By replacing aging infrastructure with updated green facilities, we're increasing our military's capabilities, lowering our carbon footprint, and creating jobs and economic opportunities for Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.” William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac Quick facts Formed in 1883, the Royal Canadian Dragoons is the most senior armoured regiment of the Canadian Army. The integrated project delivery approach is more innovative than traditional delivery models, and has been used to successfully deliver private sector infrastructure projects. The Crown, the designer and the builder have formed an integrated project team, and will establish goals and make project decisions together throughout the project. Emphasis on collaborative, early project planning has the potential to shorten the construction phase and deliver the project faster and at a better value. On behalf of DND, Defence Construction Canada (DCC) awarded the construction and design contracts to PCL Constructors Inc. and Architecture49 Inc. Initial design and planning are expected to be completed by fall 2019, with construction and renovations expected to begin by spring 2020. The facility is expected to be completed in 2021. The new building will meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver standards and save an estimated $4.6 million in operations and maintenance costs over 40 years. This and other green projects will help Defence reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and non-military vehicles by 40 percent (from 2005 levels) by 2030, and support the new federal emissions reduction target of 80 percent by 2050. DCC is a Crown corporation that delivers infrastructure and environmental projects for the defence of Canada. It provides contracting, construction contract management and related infrastructure services to DND. Associated links Royal Canadian Dragoons https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/01/government-of-canada-launches-pilot-project-to-construct-new-facility-for-the-royal-canadian-dragoons.html

January 16, 2019 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in defence innovation and the future of our Canadian Armed Forces. In support of Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, Defence Minister Harjt Sajjan today highlighted the successful conclusion of contract awards from the first call for proposals (CFP) for Competitive Projects under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security Program (IDEaS) program. The IDEaS program brings innovators to the table to support defence and security. In just nine months since its launch, IDEaS has demonstrated improved access to defence and security innovation by investing $26.8 million for 160 contracts under the first CFP launched in April 2018. Over 600 proposals to help solve some of Canada's most difficult defence and security challenges were received from innovators across Canada, including academia, small & medium companies, large industries, non-governmental organizations and individuals. Areas of focus included surveillance, cyber, space, artificial intelligence, remotely pilot systems, data analytics, and human performance. These efforts will help ensure that our Canadian Armed Forces have the tools and knowledge needed to mitigate new threats, stay ahead of potential adversaries, and meet evolving defence and security needs. Quotes “Through our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, we are providing the women and men of our Canadian Armed Forces with the tools and equipment they need to do their jobs. The success of the IDEaS first call for proposals is a testament to the importance of investing in Canadian innovation to support the future of our Canadian Armed Forces. These new collaborations will facilitate the flow of innovative ideas and concepts to help deliver the capabilities needed for a strong and agile military. Congratulations to all contract recipients.” – Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan “Our Government is committed to providing the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces with the technology needed to carry out their important work on behalf of Canadians. These contracts not only support our brave members, they also engage Canada's best and brightest innovative minds to address key defence and security challenges.” –Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada Carla Qualtrough Quick facts The IDEaS program allows the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces to access Canadian innovation and ingenuity to help enrich defence capabilities and inform future defence and security decisions. The IDEaS Competitive Projects' CFP was administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada on behalf of the DND. The first CFP with 16 challenges was launched on April 9, 2018 and closed June 7, 2018. The first contracts were announced by the Department of National Defence in August 2018. The second CFP with nine challenges was launched on October 18, 2018 and closed on Nov 27, 2018. The first contract awards from this call for proposals will be initiated in February 2019. Through IDEaS, DND is: Creating networks of innovators (academia, industry, individuals, and other partners) to conduct leading-edge research and development in areas critical to future defence and security needs; Holding competitions and inviting innovators to present viable solutions to specific defence and security challenges; and Implementing new procurement mechanisms that allow DND to develop and test concepts, and to follow through on the most promising ideas. Associated links News Release- First innovation contracts awarded under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program Backgrounder – Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security Program (IDEaS) Backgrounder – Government of Canada calls on innovative thinkers to solve defence and security challenges Contract recipients IDEaS website Strong, Secure, Engaged https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/01/defence-invests-in-canadas-innovation-community-for-defence-and-security-solutions.html