Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

Cyber Catalyst Skills and Safety Accelerator

Agreement Number:

26441

Agreement Value:

$1,500,000.00

Agreement Date:

Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 31, 2030

Description:

The Cyber Catalyst Skills and Safety Accelerator builds cyber‑resilient communities across Canada while opening inclusive pathways into cybersecurity careers. Through bilingual awareness campaigns, free training with the CyberNet HomeLab, and applied research, it empowers municipalities to fight cybercrime and equips veterans, women, youth, newcomers, and Indigenous participants to thrive in the digital economy.

Organization:

Public Safety Canada

Expected Results:

The Cyber Catalyst Skills and Safety Accelerator will generate measurable impact at the individual, municipal, and national levels, advancing both the knowledge base and the practical capacity of communities to respond to cyber threats.

FOR INDIVIDUALS: The project creates supported pathways into meaningful careers. Veterans, military spouses, women, youth, newcomers, and Indigenous participants will gain technical skills, mentorship, and industry-recognized certifications. The portable CyberNet HomeLab ensures equitable access to hands-on training, even in rural and remote areas. These participants not only center the workforce but also return to their communities as trusted local cyber
defenders.

FOR MUNICIPALITIES AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES: The project builds cyber
resiliency where it is most urgently needed. Bilingual awareness campaigns, regional presentations, and municipal roundtables will improve prevention, detection, and reporting at the community level. Municipal leaders and staff will acquire practical tools and strategies to protect critical infrastructure and essential services, reducing risk while increasing confidence in their ability to respond.

FOR POLICYMAKERS AND PRACTITIONERS: The project generates new policy relevant knowledge. A bilingual research report will examine the economic and workforce impacts of cybercrime in rural municipalities, providing evidence to inform investment, budget planning, and workforce development strategies. These findings will be disseminated nationally through partnerships with MISA, elected officials, and municipal associations, ensuring lessons learned extend beyond the pilot communities.

AT THE SOCIETAL LEVEL: The project contributes to a safer, more inclusive
digital economy. By embedding Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) into design
and delivery, the initiative ensures participation from groups historically excluded from the cyber workforce. This inclusivity not only advances equity but also strengthens Canada’s talent pipeline with diverse perspectives essential for innovation and resilience.

We advance that the anticipated impact is a scalable, evidence-based model for cyber resiliency: one that empowers individuals, strengthens municipalities, informs decision-makers, and protects communities from the growing risks of cybercrime.

Location:

Beaverton, Ontario, CA L0K 1A0

Reference Number:

088-2025-2026-Q4-00167

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Type:

Not-for-profit organization or charity

Recipient's Legal Name:

Cyber Catalyst

Federal Riding Name:

York—Durham

Federal Riding Number:

35121

Program:

(CSCP) Cyber Security Cooperation Program

Program Purpose:

The program provides time-limited funding in the form of grants and contributions. Funding under the CSCP supports projects that contribute to security and prosperity in the digital age while positioning Canada as a global leader in cyber security.