Québec City, 16 June, 2014 - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, released a statement following a meeting with the Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security (CCRS):
“I was pleased to meet with members of the Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security this weekend in order to discuss some very timely national security issues, including protecting our critical infrastructure and cyber networks, responding to disasters, and securing our border.
Recent cyber incidents have emphasized the fact that cyber security is a shared responsibility with a direct impact on Canadian citizens. Successful implementation of Canada’s Cyber Security Strategy depends on partnerships and information-sharing with other governments, industry and citizens to ensure that our communities, and the vital cyber systems upon which they depend, are secure. The CCRS provides us with an invaluable community perspective on these issues. Our government is ensuring Canada’s cyber resiliency, including that of our critical infrastructure sectors.
I also took the time to update members on the great progress we are making in implementing Beyond the Border Action Plan initiatives, which were announced in 2011 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barack Obama. Ensuring a safe and secure border is of critical importance, and the governments of Canada and the U.S. are ensuring the efficient flow of legitimate travellers and goods across our shared border. The CCRS’s advice has been sought on the Plan’s key initiatives over the past several years.”
The ongoing work of the CCRS provides us with a unique opportunity to examine how we can work with communities to build resilience. It is a forum for cultural community leaders who have extensive experience in social and cultural matters to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues related to national security. The CCRS also helps build understanding between Government and communities, and to identify any issues of shared concern. Together, the CCRS and the Government of Canada are building valuable relationships founded on trust and respect.
For more information about the Cross-Cultural Roundtable, or to view biographies of new members, go to http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/crss-cltrl-rndtbl/index-eng.aspx.
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Information:
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
