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Public safety interoperability

Interoperability means people, processes and systems working in a collaborative fashion to share information. Within the public safety and security community it means ensuring that agencies and government organizations can share the right information at the right time to keep Canadians safe.

In recent years, PSEPC helped to implement the Canada Public Safety Information Network (CPSIN). This established a modern, national information network for Canada’s criminal justice system and law enforcement agencies, linking various sources of data related to crime and offenders.

PSEPC is currently building on the CPSIN experience, expanding the interoperable environment to include other departments involved in dossiers related to health, safety, crime and national security. 

Expanding the scope

Recognizing that the public safety environment includes a broader set of partners and stakeholder groups, the new initiative extends the scope of PSEPC’s involvement on interoperability beyond law enforcement to address all information sharing relevant to public safety and security. 

The project will focus initially on federal government activities in areas related to national security, law enforcement, criminal justice, public health and first responders. Further links will then be made with the provinces, territories, and municipalities.

Technology strategy

Using technology that is compatible among partners is a key aspect of interoperability. PSEPC is developing a strategy and long-term plan to build regional, national and international compatibilities. This strategy will also extend across the border to our partners in the United States.

As well, PSEPC is leading the development of a pilot project for secret communications in order to ensure that government officials can share classified information securely over existing electronic systems.

Interoperability and privacy

Achieving interoperability will enable government departments to more effectively and efficiently share and use information to fulfill their program mandates. However, key safeguards, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Privacy Act, are applied to ensure that the collection, use, retention, disclosure and destruction of personal information is done in accordance with Canadians’ fundamental rights and freedoms.