Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (GP)

The risk that terrorist groups or states of proliferation concern might acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or related materials represents a major challenge to Canadian and global security. In recognition of this threat, the G8 launched the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction under Canada's leadership at the 2002 Kananaskis Summit. Initially established for a ten-year period with a focus on countries of the former Soviet Union, the Partnership expanded its scope of activities globally in 2008. At the 2011 Deauville Summit, G8 Leaders extended the Partnership beyond 2012. The Partnership now encompasses 31 members.

Canada’s Global Partnership Program (GPP)

Established in 2002, Canada’s Global Partnership Program has supported the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction with concrete projects to prevent WMD proliferation and terrorism. By reducing the threat posed by nuclear, radiological, biological or chemical terrorism, the Global Partnership Program has had a tangible positive impact on Canadian and global security.

Renewing Canada’s Commitment

At the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, South Korea, Canada announced a renewed commitment of $367 million through the Global Partnership Program over five years (2013–2018) to enhance global WMD security. The Program has expanded its activities, implementing projects worldwide, including in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and in the four areas that were identified as priorities by G8 Leaders at the 2010 Muskoka Summit and reiterated at the 2011 Deauville Summit:

• Nuclear and radiological security
• Biological security
• Support for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540
• Scientist engagement (i.e. preventing WMD knowledge proliferation)

Since 2002, Canada’s GPP has spent over $1.2 billion on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threat reduction programming. Through the GPP, Canada also participates in the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) and the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA).