Government of Canada Officials To Address U.S.-Canada Security Partnership in Colorado Springs

Business Wire, Oct 27, 2008

Consulate General of Canada To Host Canadian Defense and Security Organizations at Homeland Defense Symposium 2008, Oct. 28-30

DENVER -- Demonstrating the level and depth of the joint Canada-U.S. defense and security partnership, the Consulate General of Canada in Denver returns to the Homeland Defense Symposium for the fourth year in a row. During the Symposium, the Consulate will host a Canadian Pavilion (booths 67 - 72 and 76 - 81), from Tuesday, October 28 to Thursday, October 30, at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.

The Pavilion will feature eight Canadian exhibitors, including government and trade organizations focused on national defense and security policies and technologies. During the Consulate's annual wine and cheese reception, which will be held at the Pavilion on Wednesday, October 29, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., guests -- including U.S. conference participants and industry leaders -- will have the opportunity to meet the Canadian exhibitors and discuss the importance of this bilateral relationship

On the first day of the Symposium, Tues., Oct. 28, two of Canada's high-level security and defense officials will visit Colorado Springs and participate in the International and Domestic Collaboration session. At 9 a.m., William F. Pentney, Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence, will deliver a keynote address discussing Canada's international military efforts, such as combating terrorism and Canada's role in Afghanistan. Following the keynote at 10:15 a.m., Raf Souccar, Deputy Commissioner, Federal Policing and National Security for Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), will participate in a panel discussion, focusing on the many ways that Canada contributes to U.S.-Canada border and bi-national security.

"The depth and breadth of the U.S.-Canada collaboration in the areas of defense, border security, immigration enforcement, intelligence and law enforcement is unparalled and dates from long before 9/11," explained Consul General of Canada Dale Eisler. "It's important to remember that Canada and the United States have the same security interests. We are each other's most trusted partners and allies, and Canada plays a key role in contributing to North American trade prosperity, border security and combating terrorism."

"Furthermore, Canada is the United States' most reliable trading partner and is a reliable source for cutting-edge Homeland Defense and Security technologies," added Monica Heron, senior trade commission at the Consulate. "Canadian companies in this sector offer specialized, niche technologies, which provide the best available security solutions, technologies and services. For example, as part of a Department of Homeland Defense contract implementing state-of-the art screening capabilities at U.S. ports, Raytheon partnered with Canadian company Bubble Technology Industries, which provided specialized nuclear radiation detectors to scan cars, trains and containers for hazardous materials."