OTTAWA, October 19, 2011 - Canadian federal officials will participate in an annual crisis management exercise organized by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) from October 19 to 26, 2011. Canada's part in the international exercise will be played from government offices in Ottawa and linked to Canada's NATO delegation.
Crisis Management Exercise 2011 (CMX 11) provides an international forum to test, evaluate and improve coordination, intelligence and information sharing amongst federal departments and agencies with NATO Allies. It will ensure that we work effectively with our international partners to respond to emergencies in Canada or abroad.
"The Government of Canada is committed to NATO and to exercises like CMX 11 that strengthen our ability to respond to international emergency situations," said the Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety. "Participation in this exercise is an example of our government's on-going commitment to the security and safety of Canadians. We are pleased to work with our Allies on this important exercise."
This exercise will involve civilian and military officials from all 28 NATO member nations, NATO Headquarters and NATO Strategic Commands, as well as participants from Sweden and Finland. Lessons learned from the exercise will enhance Canada's ability to work together with Allies to confront threats of all kinds.
"The Government of Canada participates in many preparedness activities like CMX 11 on an ongoing basis. Exercises are valuable tools for understanding and preparing for real emergencies. They provide an opportunity to train and ensure that the Government of Canada responds to threats, such as international emergencies, and natural disasters in a coordinated manner", added Minister Toews.
For more information on exercises, please visit the National Exercise Program website.
Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
