Technation gives nod of approval to 2022 federal budget but has some recommendations

MISSISSAUGA — Technation has put out a statement saying that the association approves of the increased investments in cyber and digital following the government’s presentation of the 2022 federal budget, yet it would like to see changes in the way these funds are implemented.

Last week the federal government announced plans to invest $875.2 million in cybersecurity and digital which will be distributed to this sector over the next five years.

Technation stated that the federal government should also make efforts to improve collaboration between Canada’s tech sector, infrastructure and reporting mechanisms. Additionally, the organization expressed it feels the federal government should support small and medium sized businesses in establishing better defenses against cyber threats.

In reference to the $17.7 million the budget proposes for the establishment of academic research programs in Communications Security Establishment, Technation said efforts should be made to help scale-up exisiting cyber companies so that they can serve the government.

“Contracts are more important to our cyber industry than grants,” reads the statement.

Additionally, using immigration to fill labour shortages in Canada should include a “meaningful focus” on filling talent gaps in the areas of cybersecurity and AI, Technation also stated.

“Given the uncertain times Canada and the world is facing right now, it makes sense that this federal budget has focused on key issues like increasing defence spending or bolstering the rising housing crisis. We are pleased that this budget saw significant cyber investment that will help keep the nation secure. However, we must not underestimate the critical role the technology sector is and will continue to play in managing the uncertainty,” said Angela Mondou, president & CEO, Technation Canada in a statement.