Biological Cluster

Since its inception, the Biological Cluster has been successful in creating a forum for information sharing and increasing capabilities through research and technology acquisition projects. In the years ahead, the Cluster will strive to provide science and technology (S&T) advice and further enhance capabilities for the protection and security of Canadians against bioterrorist threats. The cluster, which consists of 18 core members from eight federal science-based departments and agencies representing approximately 75 federal laboratories, has identified gaps and examined mechanisms to fill those gaps. Four working groups have analyzed the status of Canada’s preparedness regarding viral, bacterial, animal, and food and water concerns.

The focus of the Biological Cluster is best explained in its mission statement: “to provide S&T advice and capabilities for the security of Canadians against bioterrorist threats.”

The Cluster intends to focus its efforts on the following tasks:

• Increasing the Cluster’s image through the Government of Canada response community and general public;



• Playing a leadership role in disseminating S&T information and knowledge across the federal departments and adopting user-friendly technology to provide the widest possible access to needed information in a timely manner;



• Providing state-of-the-art S&T advice that addresses the biosecurity needs of the nation;



• Promoting CRTI success stories (through collaboration, co-operation, and representation) with international forums for their further development and acceptance;



• Encouraging sufficient, continuous, and appropriate representation from relevant government and non-governmental organizations that can address all S&T aspects of bioterrorism;



• Building upon and furthering strategic alliances with other like-minded organizations to improve our national capability to respond to biological incidents; and



• Enhancing readiness by promoting the development and implementation of appropriate equipment and procedures for cluster members with operational roles, as well as providing opportunities to regularly practice the Cluster’s operational role and improve upon operational plans.