Amidst the obvious dangers that the global COVID-19 pandemic presents, looms a serious behind-the-scenes threat known as cyber-attacks. As businesses continue to shift to remote work-from-home setups, there have been more cyber-attacks in Canada due to insufficient budget and planning towards cyber security measures. A recent poll shows that 97% of 3,000 Canadian businesses surveyed stated that they want to strengthen their cyber security strategies as a direct result of increased digitalization caused by COVID-19.
Canada’s five-year (2019-2024) National Cyber Security Action Plan is focusing on securing Canadian cyber systems in private and public spheres, creating cyber environment projects in Canadian science, innovation, talent and entrepreneurship sectors, and generating strong domestic relationships that will help drive international progress in global cyber security.
“From the critical infrastructure underpinning our Canadian economy, to commercial supply chains, to social networks and personal conveniences, the cyber threats to Canadian systems are large and growing, putting Canadians at risk. Cybercrime in Canada causes more than $3 billion in economic losses each year.”
– Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The plan announced a $145 million investment to help protect Canada’s critical cyber systems through the launch of the Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP). The program provides government funding for eligible businesses looking to create digital solutions for cyber security and decrease the amount of imminent cyber-attacks across the country.
Funding Snapshot: Cyber Security Cooperation Program
The Government of Canada’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness has announced a call for proposals to support and advance efforts to build a safe and resilient Canada through the Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP). Government funding through this program supports projects that contribute to security and prosperity in the digital age while positioning Canada as a global leader in cyber security.
Amount:
- Maximum funding shall not exceed $300,000/year per Contribution or Grant.
- In the case of for-profit organizations, the maximum funding is set at $100,000/year per Contribution; and $150,000/year per Grant.
Applicant Eligibility:
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations;
- Canadian academic and research institutions;
- Provincial, territorial and local government and authorities;
- Canadian individual researchers and professionals; and
- Canadian for-profit organizations.
Eligible Activities:
The following three subject topics are being targeted for this current call for proposals:
Secure and Resilient Canadian Systems – Projects and/or research that explore or propose:
- Cyber security application solutions for emerging technologies and in the following areas of interest: Internet of Things, Smart Cities, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing; or
- Automated hardware and software robustness verification solutions.
An Innovative and Adaptive Cyber Ecosystem – Projects and/or research that explore or propose:
- Solutions to bolster essential learning in cyber security to teachers and/or students at the primary and secondary education levels, seniors, vulnerable groups, residents in isolated regions, etc.;
- The development of post-secondary level cyber security degree programs;
- Solutions to train criminal justice practitioners on cybercrime and cybercrime prosecutions; or
- Solutions on cybercrime investigative processes, tools and techniques, and to train law enforcement and other investigative and police bodies.
Effective Leadership, Governance and Collaboration – Projects and/or research on:
- Data Sovereignty;
- Solutions to bolster the cyber security workforce in Canada; or
- Data collection exercises to address gaps around Canada’s cyber security workforce, workforce needs, and the cyber talent gap across industry sectors.
Eligible Expenses:
- Salaries and wages for permanent or temporary staff;
- Consultation fees and audit fees;
- Training or educational fees, conference room and meeting room rentals;
- Office equipment and minor capital acquisitions;
- Travel and living expenses;
- Computer services, library expenses, research costs and collection and analysis of statistics; and more.
Timeline:
- The application deadline is February 12, 2021.
- Selected projects may not start earlier than April 1, 2021.
If you are interested in this program, please contact Mentor Works as soon as possible to assess your eligibility for funding through the Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP).
Government Grants and Loans for Canadian Businesses
To address challenges that businesses are facing and to support the recovery of all Canadians during and beyond the global pandemic, the Government of Canada is continuously launching, increasing, and updating government funding programs that provide financial support towards common goals of economic growth and/or innovation throughout various sectors and industries. Learn more by visiting our COVID-19 Support Page.
Stay up to date with government funding programs, news, and updates by subscribing to our free Weekly Funding Newsletter.