Halifax, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, accompanied by Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, with NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Managing Director, Professor Deeph Chana, officially opened the NATO DIANA North American regional office in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Minister Fraser also officially announced the appointment of Major-General Paul Peyton as the Military Deputy Director for North America for NATO DIANA. Major-General Peyton brings to this new position more than 35 years’ experience in leadership roles – most recently as Chief of Force Development with the Canadian Armed Forces.
NATO DIANA was created to help develop dual-use technologies that address challenges affecting security and defence. It brings together the best and brightest innovators from key sectors across the Alliance to help NATO maintain its technological edge, defend its one billion citizens, and preserve peace and security. Canada is supporting the opening and operating of this office with an initial investment of $26.6 million dollars over six years.
Through NATO DIANA, innovators can access Alliance-wide resources including grant funding, commercial advice, and other acceleration services to adapt their solutions for defence and security needs.
The Halifax Regional Municipality provides an excellent backdrop to support DIANA moving forward. With a thriving innovation ecosystem – sustaining more than 300 entrepreneurial science and technology start-ups – it is also home to several major universities and research centres as well as Canada’s Atlantic naval fleet.
“Rapid advances in technology and an evolving security environment call on us to find innovative solutions to address the emerging threats of today. The NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic is a hub for experts to find new solutions to bolster the capabilities of Canada and out NATO Allies. We are proud to host the North American regional office in Halifax, a city with an advanced science and technology community and host to our Atlantic Navy fleet.” – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
“As home to several major universities and research centres, hundreds of science and technology start-ups and Canada’s Atlantic naval fleet, Halifax is well-positioned to support DIANA, as well as innovators and industry across the country. By working together, we’re ensuring that NATO DIANA’s presence here supports Canada’s commitment to being an active NATO member and to preserve the security and peace of our country.” – Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada
“Establishing NATO DIANA in the Halifax Regional Municipality is a testament to our region’s extraordinary growth trajectory and capacity to support organizations across the globe. Our region is well-positioned to support DIANA with deep military traditions, best of class technology, and some of the brightest innovators.” – Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities