ARCHIVED - Minister Blaney highlights our Government's action to protect Canada's cyber networks and critical infrastructure

OTTAWA, October 29, 2013 — The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, issued the following statement today, following a keynote address at SecureTech 2013, an annual conference focussing on current and emerging security and public safety issues.

“Canada has a thriving digital economy that is growing by leaps and bounds, and which will benefit immensely from expanded markets opened through a new Canada-EU free-trade agreement. The growth of our economy through this agreement offers benefits to all Canadians. However, we are seeing increased and evolving cyber attacks from individuals and groups looking to steal identities or valuable information from businesses and government. As cyber crime continues to evolve, we seek to stay one step ahead through our efforts to protect Canada's cyber networks and critical infrastructure. 

Digital networks form the backbone of Canada's critical infrastructure sectors, and we have taken a proactive approach to secure our vital assets.

In the past year, our Government has taken decisive steps on a number of commitments — particularly in our work to engage the private sector and our critical infrastructure owners and operators in our cyber security efforts.

Of note, the Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre, or CCIRC, has made a number of upgrades to help fulfil its mandate, which is to provide advice and support, and coordinate information-sharing and incident response to cyber threats on systems outside the federal government.  

The government has also recently released the Cyber Incident Management Framework for Canada, another step in bolstering our relationship with critical infrastructure owners and operators. The Framework outlines the roles, responsibilities and guidelines for all levels of government, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and other partners, to respond effectively and in a coordinated manner to cyber incidents.

These are just some examples that highlight the successful work our Government is engaged in with our diverse partners in order to identify threats and vulnerabilities, and to prepare for and respond to all types of cyber incidents. A collective approach, one in which all partners are engaged, is the only way to effectively address cyber threats.”

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For further information

Jean-Christophe de Le Rue
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Date modified:

2015-11-20