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Government of Canada announces CBRN strategy

Ottawa, March 31, 2005 -- The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness announced today the release of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Strategy of the Government of Canada.

The aim of the Government of Canada's CBRN Strategy is to protect Canada and Canadians by taking all possible measures to prevent, mitigate and respond effectively to a CBRN terrorist incident. The Strategy is a comprehensive, high-level framework that provides direction for current activities and future plans, policies and funding initiatives.

"The Government of Canada's CBRN Strategy will serve to define a Canadian approach to CBRN threats and foster international cooperation and partnerships," said Minister McLellan. "Canada's CBRN Strategy sets out our goals and objectives to guide the way ahead. It builds on what the Government of Canada has already done to ensure the safety and security of Canadians."

In developing the CBRN Strategy for the Government of Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) consulted with other federal departments and agencies, provinces and territories, and the first responder community. Additional involvement and feedback from stakeholders will be sought as PSEPC continues to lead the implementation of the Strategy.

The Strategy includes four strategic objectives:

• Prevention and Mitigation -- The Strategy recognizes that taking preventative/mitigative actions in advance to address CBRN threats will help to prevent and reduce the effects of a CBRN terrorist attack.
• Preparedness -- Assuring that Canada and Canadians are adequately prepared to deal with effects of CBRN incidents is a continuing priority of all levels of government.
• Response -- Strengthening Canada's capabilities to respond to CBRN incidents.
• Recovery -- The Government of Canada and its partners will continue to develop national recovery mechanisms for major emergencies, including those with CBRN elements.

The Government of Canada's CBRN Strategy supports Canada's National Security Policy (NSP) which was announced in April 2004. The NSP sets the direction for a national framework and action plan to ensure that the Government of Canada is prepared for and can respond to emerging or occurring threats to national public safety and security.

For more information:

Alex Swann
Director of Communications
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863

Media Relations
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
(613) 991-0657