August 14, 2018, FREDERICTON (GNB) – As part of the ongoing effort to increase New Brunswick’s reputation as a leader in the field of cybersecurity, a new Cybersecurity Innovation Centre will be established in Fredericton, with support from the federal and provincial governments.
“Fredericton is being recognized internationally as a hub for cybersecurity excellence,” said deputy premier Stephen Horsman. “Strategic investments and partnerships between the federal and provincial governments in high-growth sectors like cybersecurity show the government’s commitment to bringing innovation and growth to our province. We are getting things done on behalf of New Brunswick’s working families.”
Horsman spoke on behalf of Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB.
The centre will provide opportunities for companies and researchers in the IT sector to stay current with evolving cybersecurity technologies. It is also intended to also increase opportunities for collaboration in research and development and skills development in cybersecurity, and foster connections and partnerships between government, academia and industry.
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the development of cybersecurity solutions, education, and infrastructure,” said federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “That is why we are working closely with provincial partners, industry, and academia to help build a strong and responsive cybersecurity industry in Atlantic Canada and across the country.”
The federal government has committed a $3.1 million non-repayable contribution through its Business Development Program for the establishment of the centre. Opportunities New Brunswick, through its cybersecurity division CyberNB, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $956,000.
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that works to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It provides support services for businesses across the province.
Opportunities NB launched CyberNB in May 2016 to help position New Brunswick as a cybersecurity epicentre in Canada. A pillar of the CyberNB strategy is the provision of infrastructure to support site selection and investment attraction in the province.
Fredericton’s cybersecurity sector has experienced significant expansion in 2018, including announcements by Siemens, Difenda, Global Intelligence, Kognitiv Spark, and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.