OTTAWA, October 30, 2012 — Today, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews delivered a keynote address at SecureTech 2012, a conference focussing on current and emerging threats to security and public safety. The two main themes of this year’s conference are perimeter and cyber security.
In his remarks, Minister Toews noted the progress made by the Government of Canada on protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats and underscored the progress achieved since the launch of the 2010 Cyber Security Strategy and National Strategy and Action Plan on Critical Infrastructure.
“We have made exceptional progress in the midst of a rapidly evolving threat environment,” said Minister Toews. “We have worked closely with our partners to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure like power grids, financial systems and transportation networks. And we have taken significant steps to strengthen our own federal government networks against cyber attacks.”
The National Strategy and Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure, launched in 2010, is Canada’s plan to address the full range of risks and threats to the infrastructure that forms the backbone of our economy, our security, our health and our way of life.
Canada’s Cyber Security Strategy, also launched in 2010, aims to secure Government of Canada systems, enhance partnerships with industry and other governments to protect vital systems, and help Canadians keep their personal information safe and secure.
Minister Toews highlighted the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to work with our allies to defend against threats to our borders, cyber systems, and vital systems that underpin Canada's national security, public safety and economic prosperity.
“The Government of Canada recognizes that protecting critical infrastructure from a wide range of threats, including terrorism, cyber attacks, pandemics, and natural disasters, is a global issue, and we treat it as such,” said Minister Toews. “The Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness is just one example of our commitment to work closely with our partners and allies to ensure we achieve progress on these important issues together.”
Minister Toews also referenced the Cyber Security Action Plan, which was announced jointly with the Department of Homeland Security on October 26, 2012. The joint Cyber Security Action Plan, a key commitment under the Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness, enhances the already strong partnership and cooperation on cyber security matters between both countries, in order to ultimately better protect shared critical digital infrastructure and increase capacity to respond jointly and effectively to cyber incidents
During his address, Minister Toews reminded the audience that October is Cyber Security Awareness Month and highlighted Get Cyber Safe, the Government’s ongoing national public awareness campaign created to educate Canadians about the simple steps they can take to protect themselves online.
