New Ottawa science hub will help protect Canadians, support economic growth and strengthen Canada's science and security capabilities.
Through Laboratories Canada, the Government of Canada is investing in modern science infrastructure that helps protect Canadians and our food supply, strengthens public health and security, and supports a resilient economy.
Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a $768.6-million construction services contract to PCL Construction Canada Inc. for the Regulatory and Security Science Main (RSS Main) project in Ottawa. This marks a major milestone as the project advances into full construction following earlier site preparation and enabling work.
As part of Canada's commitments under NATO's defence investment framework, the RSS Main project will contribute to defence and security-related investment goals by strengthening Canada's national security, resilience and emergency preparedness capabilities through modern science infrastructure. This significant investment will also support Canadian workers and businesses, advancing the Government of Canada's Buy Canadian objectives through the use of Canadian expertise and, where possible, Canadian-sourced materials.
Through this investment, Public Services and Procurement Canada is delivering six modern science facilities on the existing Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Ottawa Laboratory site. Together, these facilities will form the RSS Main campus and support greater collaboration among scientists and researchers from the CFIA, the Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The RSS Main campus will feature modern laboratories, advanced technologies and digital systems that support science and research. These capabilities will help strengthen Canada's food supply, enhance emergency preparedness and secure our borders while keeping trade and travel moving to support the economy.
The Government of Canada is working closely with the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation and other Indigenous partners to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the planning and design of RSS Main. Indigenous Participation Plans included in project contracts will help create meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities.
