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Daily Brief

The PSEPC Daily Brief is a compilation of summaries of publicly available and PSEPC information concerning critical infrastructure protection and emergency management.

DOB05-222 - 21 November 2005

News

Non-lethal strain of avian influenza detected on B.C. farm
On November 18, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that it quarantined a commercial farm in B.C, as a precautionary measure, because a duck tested positive for an avian influenza-type virus.

On November 20, the CFIA announced that that the avian influenza virus detected on the B.C. farm has been confirmed as a low pathogenic H5 North American strain, which is different than the H7N3 strain found during the 2004 Abbotsford, B.C., outbreak. In response to this finding, the CFIA is implementing preventative and precautionary control measures to limit and prevent the spread of the virus to other commercial premises. Preparations are underway to depopulate all birds on the infected premises, and surveillance is being conducted to monitor the health of domestic birds in the immediate area. In addition, samples are being tested from a number of other premises that may have been exposed to birds from the farm.
(Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 20 November 2005)
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Avian influenza early warning system to be developed
An avian influenza early warning system, to alert countries and communities to the arrival of potentially infected wild birds, will be developed by an alliance of organizations led by the United Nations. The system will alert authorities on different continents about the arrival of migratory water birds. Special maps pin-pointing precise locations where the birds are likely to migrate will be developed for individual countries. With the alert information, local health and environment bodies on continents like Africa, Asia and in Latin America will be better able to prioritize their planning and response.

The warning system, details of which were announced at an international wildlife conference taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, will be developed by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) with support and funding from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Experts from other leading organizations such as Wetlands International, Birdlife International, and the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation are also expected to be part of the initiative.
(Source: United Nations Environment Programme, 20 November 2005)
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In brief

Third cable to mainland will export P.E.I. wind power
Environment Minister Stephane Dion has announced that the federal government will work in partnership with P.E.I. to build a third electrical cable between the province and the mainland to export Island wind power. The two existing transmission cables, buried under the Northumberland Strait, are running at full capacity. The federal government provide up to $30 million for the project. The funding still needs to get approval from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
(Source: cbc.ca PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, 21 November 2005)
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This new project is being developed by a partnership between the governments of Canada and P.E.I., along with a private sector partner. The project will help P.E.I. maximize its renewable energy resources and result in reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. For more information on this initiative, click here.

Telus workers accept new contract
Further to PSEPC Daily Brief DOB05-213, on November 19, Telus announced it has been advised by the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) that the majority of its members have voted to accept the second memorandum of agreement reached on November 6. The terms and conditions of the new collective agreement are effective as of 20 November 2005.
(Source: TELUS, 19 November 2005)
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Cyber risk assessment

Over the course of the past 72 hours, the Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) has not detected any significant new threats or vulnerabilities. No significant incidents with the potential to affect critical infrastructure have been reported. Accordingly, based on the information available to CCIRC, the cyber risk facing Canadian critical infrastructure is assessed as low. Personnel responsible for information, systems and network security should continue to apply appropriate security precautions and monitor their systems.

Recent cyber alerts and advisories issued by CCIRC can be viewed under “Recent analytical releases” at www.psepc.gc.ca/ccirc.

See also...

• The Weather Office
• FAC - Travel Updates

Note to readers

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) collects information related to cyber and physical threats to, and incidents involving, Canadian critical infrastructure. This allows us to monitor and analyze threats and to issue alerts, advisories and other information products. To report threats or incidents, please contact the Government Operations Centre (GOC) at (613) 991-7000 or goc-cog@psepc-sppcc.gc.ca by e-mail.

Unauthorized use of computer systems and mischief in relation to data are serious Criminal Code offences in Canadas. Any suspected criminal activity should be reported to local law enforcement organizations. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Operations Centre (N.O.C.) provides a 24/7 service to receive such reports or to redirect callers to local law enforcement organizations. The N.O.C. can be reached at (613) 993-4460. National security concerns should be reported to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) at (613) 993-9620.

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