Launch of Canada-Israel cybersecurity program for energy sector

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

September 6, 2018 - Tel Aviv, Israel - Global Affairs Canada

Canada is committed to strengthening its science, technology and innovation ties with Israel, an important economic partner for Canada. Enhancing cooperation in the innovation and technology sectors will combine the expertise of both countries’ entrepreneurs and innovators, increasing partnership opportunities for Canadian firms and creating well-paying jobs in the process.

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, and together with the Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF) and Israel Innovation Authority (IIA), announced a pilot program to facilitate new cybersecurity solutions for the energy sector. Calls for proposals are now open and will close on September 30. The program will leverage funding from the Governments of Canada and Israel and undertake collaborative actions to address fundamental cybersecurity challenges during the current fiscal year.

This pilot program directly supports strategic collaboration between CIIRDF and the Canadian Gas Association (CGA). As per a memorandum of understanding signed in January 2018, CIIRDF and the CGA aim to promote and support the exploration of mutually beneficial technology cooperation between Canada’s natural gas delivery industry and Israeli innovators and firms with cybersecurity solutions. Building on this commitment, the Canadian gas industry will be among the first active participants in the program.

Quotes

“We are strengthening our countries’ ties with this first of its kind pilot program. Our government looks forward to this partnership with Israel and the ultimate creation and adoption of new cybersecurity solutions to enhance the security and resiliency of Canadian energy infrastructure.

- Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification

“This partnership will further Canada’s and Israel’s shared interests of greater energy security. Reducing cybersecurity risks through collaboration and dialogue will help Canada continue to build a resilient North American energy system.”

- Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources

 “Israel’s local cyber ecosystem is highly developed and wins acclaim around the world. As Canada is one of Israel’s major partners for innovations, we look forward to a remarkable collaboration with Canadian companies in finding innovative technological solutions to help mitigate cyber threats in the energy sector, both locally and globally.”

- Aharon Aharon, CEO, Israel Innovation Authority

Quick facts

  • Established in 1994, the CIIRDF has financed more than 125 collaborative R&D projects, which have contributed to the joint development and sale of more than 60 new global products.

  • The IIA’s role is to nurture and develop Israeli innovation resources, while creating and strengthening the infrastructure and framework needed to support the entire knowledge industry.

  • The CGA is the voice of Canada’s natural gas delivery industry. Natural gas has a central place in Canada’s energy mix, meeting 36% of the country’s energy needs. 

  • Science and technology are significant drivers of the Israeli economy. Canada also views science, technology and innovation as key drivers for job creation and economic growth. Canadian provinces, such as Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, have bilateral science, technology and innovation agreements with Israel.

  • Israel’s highly skilled workforce and innovation strengths have led to the establishment of more than 400 research and development centres in Israel funded by foreign multinational corporations, including Canadian firms.

Associated links

Contacts

Ann-Clara Vaillancourt
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade Diversification
343-203-7332
Ann-Clara.Vaillancourt@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
343-292-6100
NRCan.media_relations-media_relations.RNCan@canada.ca

Sonya Shorey
Communications Strategist
Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation
613-851-9416
sonyashorey@ciirdf.ca

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