Frequently Asked Questions for Business

Critical Infrastructure

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How is critical infrastructure defined by the federal government?

Canada’s national critical infrastructure consists of the physical and information technology facilities, networks, services and assets essential to the health, safety, security or economic well being of Canadians, or the effective functioning of government. 

 

Will a critical infrastructure working group be developed to address pandemic related issues?

The Private Sector Working Group on Pandemic Influenza Planning meets quarterly in Ottawa. The Working Group is made up of participants from Canada’s critical infrastructure sectors and is co-chaired by Public Safety Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and a member from the private sector. Its mandate is to promote a shared approach to pandemic influenza planning and preparedness through increased awareness and partnerships with private sector organizations and associations from the ten federal critical infrastructure sectors. For more information about the Working Group, contact Maha Hammoud at maha_hammoud@phac-aspc.gc.ca.

 

How can the private sector best contribute to the on-going development of pandemic preparedness in Canada?

The private sector can best contribute to Canadian pandemic preparedness by taking the necessary steps, both within and across sectors, to enhance their business continuity plans. These steps will help ensure goods and services will continue to be provided during a pandemic.  

 

What sectors are considered critical infrastructure by the federal government? How will critical infrastructure lists be managed and by whom? How will the lists of critical infrastructure facilities and personnel remain secure and confidential?

The Government of Canada classifies critical infrastructure within the following ten sectors: energy and utilities, information and communications technology, finance, health care, food, water, transportation, safety, government, and manufacturing.  Please note that as the approach to critical infrastructure protection varies across jurisdictions (each province and territory structures its critical infrastructure program as it deems appropriate,) so too does the classification of critical infrastructure by sector.

Owners and operators of critical infrastructure develop their lists of critical assets and services as part of their business continuity plans. Owners and operators are responsible for safeguarding their lists of critical infrastructure and personnel and sharing that information, when appropriate, according to information sharing protocols and mechanisms, which include information protection measures.

 

What special consideration will be provided to critical infrastructure personnel (e.g., protective equipment, antivirals, vaccine, and requirements to report for duty)? How will the list of critical infrastructure be communicated / coordinated with health services personnel issuing antivirals and vaccine? Is the federal government stockpiling antivirals for critical infrastructure personnel? Should critical infrastructure be stockpiling their own anti-virals for their essential employees?

All sectors must follow the applicable health and safety regime that applies to them. All employers have obligations to protect their workers. Critical infrastructure organizations are expected to make their own preparations for a pandemic including protective equipment, antivirals, and, personnel policies.  

 

If a company operates critical infrastructure services, should they have already been contacted by the federal government regarding business continuity planning? What are the expectations by the federal government of owners of critical infrastructure (e.g., business continuity planning, level of services to be maintained, etc.)? Is additional training required for critical infrastructure sectors?

Business continuity planning is the responsibility of each individual company and may be applicable for all situations. There are many free and for-pay resources available to companies to help them develop their business continuity plan.

It is expected that owners and operators will take all reasonable actions, including training, to mitigate risks to their critical assets and/or services and have in place effective plans and procedures, including business continuity plans, to strengthen the resiliency of their critical infrastructure.

 

What are the conditions that activate special status for those providing critical infrastructure?

There is no special status for critical infrastructure organizations. The federally defined critical infrastructure sectors are based on the effective operation of physical assets, networks and systems, and those people who deliver the critical services that Canadians rely on. 

 

Will the food sector be provided with additional security during a pandemic, if required, if there is the potential for food supply shortages?

Businesses seeking additional information about security arrangements in their area should direct their inquiries to their local police service. The provinces are responsible for the administration of justice, including policing. Policing services vary across Canada and include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provincial police services (Ontario and Quebec only) municipal and aboriginal police services. 

 

Will critical infrastructure sectors and facilities remain operational?

The various levels of Government and industry must work cooperatively to address issues (such as the delivery of fuels or access for essential staff) to keep facilities operational. Therefore, it is fundamental that emergency management and business continuity plans be in place to deal with serious incidents that may arise.

Public Safety Canada is represented in Provincial Emergency Operations Centres with the additional presence of other federal government departments and agencies as may be required.

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