The Federal government has announced that it will spend $20M on 26 projects designed to help keep our country safer.

The projects will involve universities, private firms and all levels of government working together to help improve safety in various areas.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay says the government is simply being proactive to make sure our country is prepared for any situation.

“We need to continue to invest in preventive measures, the threats as we know can eminate from anywhere, from down the street to across the globe,” MacKay said.

Through the nationwide research, the government hopes to improve a wide variety of safety and security systems.

Some of the main initiatives will involve improving  X-Rays at border crossings, smoke detection in National Parks, and our response to natural and even nuclear disasters.

MacKay says not only will this make our country more secure, but it’s also a key investment in Canadian industry during these tough economic times.