(OTTAWA) The federal government announces that certain defense contracts will be subject to a mandatory “cybersecurity certification” process starting in winter 2024.
Defense Minister Anita Anand made the announcement Wednesday morning at the Canadian Association of Defense and Security Industries annual trade show in Ottawa.
Minister Anand recalled that defense contractors are often the target of malicious cyberattacks that threaten unclassified information and jeopardize the entire supply chain.
She pointed out that Russia’s use of disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks during the war in Ukraine highlighted the need for better protections.
But she added that cyber threats were also growing in Canada, where malicious cyber activity has already targeted government and defense contractors and contractors.
The federal government set aside $25 million in the budget last March to develop and implement the Canadian Cyber Security Certification Program over the next three years. It will be designed “in parallel” with the United States so that the certification is recognized in both countries, Minister Anand said on Wednesday.
“This means that defense contractors doing business in both countries will only need to be certified by one entity, and it will ensure that Canadian companies can benefit from future procurement opportunities with our allies,” she said.
Mme Anand also announced that an annual envelope of 1.5 million will go to an indigenous reconciliation program within his ministry, to support consultation on infrastructure projects and research.
“Industry partnerships will be critical if we are to modernize our military, streamline the defense procurement process, grow our innovation ecosystem and secure opportunities for Indigenous peoples,” she said.