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Canada’s Public Safety Minister Vic Toews amd Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney has announced the first round of funding, worth 1.1 million Canadian dollars, awarded under the Kanishka Project, a multi-year investment in terrorism-focused research. “Terrorism and violent extremism are global threats and Canada is not immune. I’m pleased to announce the funding awarded to the first six innovative research projects that will help build Canada ’s knowledge and understanding of the complex issue of terrorism,” said Minister Toews. “Threats evolve, and we must strive to improve our knowledge and understanding to more effectively address these threats. With initiatives like the Kanishka Project, we are taking action to help build the resilience of our communities against the threats we face today,” he added. On June 23, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Kanishka Project, an initiative which will invest in research on pressing questions for Canada on terrorism and counter-terrorism, such as preventing and countering violent extremism. The Kanishka Project is named after the Air India Flight 182 plane that was bombed on June 23, 1985, killing 329 people, most of them Canadians. The Government of Canada has committed a total of 10 million dollars over five years to the Project as a way to honour the memory of the victims. “Research supported by the Kanishka Project will increase our understanding of terrorism. This will help produce more effective policies and tools for people on the front lines, including community leaders, police, lawyers, and judges,” said Minister Kenney. “Preventing future acts of terrorism is the greatest tribute we can offer to these victims,” he added. Canada ’s counter-terrorism strategy sets out how the government as a whole organizes its efforts to prevent, detect, deny and respond to the threat of terrorism, and provides a framework to guide future efforts. The success of the strategy relies on strong partnerships with experts in different fields, including the academic community. In support of the Government of Canada’s efforts under the element of the strategy that seeks to prevent individuals from engaging in terrorism, the Kanishka Project strives to create a vibrant network of scholars that will inform more effective policies for preventing and countering terrorism. A second call for proposals for research projects has recently closed and a number of applicants are currently being assessed. A third call for research proposals is scheduled to close October 31, 2012.

Canadian Govt announces projects for research into counter-terrorism