Information Note on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Program Support

On January 26, 2011, Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Emergency Management approved the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Resilience Strategy for Canada (the Strategy) and the accompanying Action Plan.

The Strategy replaces the CBRN Strategy of 2005 which was the basis for CBRNE contributions under the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP).  The purpose of the Strategy is to provide Canadian jurisdictions with a policy framework to guide in the creation and maintenance of sustainable capabilities and common standards as well as to promote investments in CBRNE policies, equipment and training in a common and consistent direction.

The Action Plan is based on the Strategy’s five strategic objectives:

• Provide leadership for coordinated policy and program development;
• Integrate CBRNE into an all-hazards risk management approach;
• Use capability-based planning to inform policy, program and investment decisions;
• Build an effective and interoperable workforce; and
• Optimize information and knowledge management

Public Safety Canada will be reviewing JEPP CBRNE proposals to ensure they are aligned with the Strategy and Action Plan.  Copies of the Strategy and Action Plan can be found on the Public Safety Canada website:  www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/em/cbrnersapc-eng.aspx

JEPP provides funding for CBRNE emergency management to develop, sustain or improve the effectiveness of a CBRNE program.  Proposals can be submitted to fund:

• Threat and risk assessments to identify CBRNE requirements and determine resource allocation
• In accordance with provincial guidelines or other recognized service delivery models and applicable standards:
• Development of a new CBRNE program or a component of a program;
• Revision or review of an existing CBRNE program;
• Equipment purchases for detection, personal protection and decontamination where a CBRNE program or skilled personnel are already in place to use the equipment effectively; and
• Calibration of detection, personal, and/or decontamination equipment. 

Proposals that include a request for funding of new CBRNE equipment should provide information on:

• why the equipment is needed,
• how it was selected, and how interoperability will be considered as the new equipment becomes integrated with any existing capabilities for CBRN response in your province/territory, region or municipality,
• what is the plan to maintain/update/upgrade the equipment

A performance assessment of the equipment is required one year after the purchase to report on reliability and effectiveness of the equipment bought with JEPP funding and to share information with other jurisdictions.

Proposals must be submitted within the deadlines established for all other JEPP proposals.