Essential Services

The Government of Canada is responsible for delivering essential services (a series of logistical considerations) during the 2010 Winter Games. These are imperative for the safe and successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Without these services, it would be impossible for the Games to take place.

• Entry of Goods and Individuals into Canada
• Intellectual Property Protection and Radio Spectrum
• Meteorological Services
• Public Health and Safety
• Security Planning
• Sustainability
• Tax Issues

Entry of Goods and Individuals into Canada

Did you know?

• Every year, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processes more than 90 million people, issues more than 100,000 work permits, and facilitates billions of dollars worth of trade per day.
• The CBSA administers more than 90 acts and regulations on behalf of other federal departments and agencies, as well as international agreements.
• The CBSA provides services at approximately 1,200 points across Canada and 39 locations abroad.

The CBSA is responsible for managing and controlling Canada's borders. CBSA officers will process all travellers and their baggage coming into Canada for the Games. Officers at ports of entry in Canada will ensure that all people and goods are admissible and comply with Canadian laws. The CBSA will also work with partners concerning certain duty-free imports required for the Games.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for issuing visas at its missions abroad to foreign visitors attending the Games. To find out more about the requirements to visit Canada and the missions serving your area, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site.

Human Resources and Social Development Canada will facilitate the entry of workers from other countries who may be required to prepare for these Games. Its role will include issues related to work permits and labour issues.

Why is this important?
Every year, more than 35 million people visit Canada. Canada welcomes these visitors as tourists, students or temporary workers. Approximately 350,000 people are expected to come to Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games alone!

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Intellectual Property Protection and Radio Spectrum

Did you know?
Revenue in Canada's telecommunications industry grew by $4 billion between 1998 and 2003. This growth is largely pushed by subscriptions to wireless services. In fact, more than 13 million Canadians, or 44 per cent of the population, now own a cell phone.

Industry Canada, along with other concerned government departments, is responsible for the development of Canada's intellectual property policies. The department is committed to ensuring that legislation continues to provide protection against the illegal use of protected marks, such as Olympic and Paralympic symbols, while meeting the objectives of a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace.

As a result of increased demand for radio communications services, Industry Canada will authorize additional radio spectrum to meet requirements where the services of commercial operators are not readily available. The department will also resolve any cases of radio interference in a timely manner during the Games.

Why is this important?
The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will welcome national and international delegates, tourists, journalists and broadcasters to the Vancouver and Whistler areas. They will expect reliable telecommunications services, as will security and public safety personnel. The success of the Games depends on the proper operation of terrestrial and wireless communications and, therefore, it is vital we ensure sufficient radio spectrum to meet all these requirements.

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Meteorological Services

Did you know?
Artificial snow can be made when temperatures are as high as 3°C -- but only when conditions are very dry.

Weather conditions will obviously have a large impact on the Games. Ski events, the condition of luge, bobsleigh and skeleton tracks, and road conditions are just a few factors that will be largely affected by the weather.

Environment Canada's Meteorological Services will be providing timely and accurate weather forecasts that are essential to the 2010 Winter Games. Forecasts of critical weather elements like snow, visibility and extreme wind and storm warnings for each individual venue will provide crucial information for Olympic and Paralympic event organizers, participants and spectators. Forecasters will also produce regional weather information for agencies responsible for transportation and security for the Games.

The department is responsible for a range of essential weather services at the Games, such as:

• advance five-day weather predictions and on-site weather forecasting prior to and during the Games;
• providing a team of professional meteorologists dedicated to public safety, emergency preparedness and the efficient operation of the Games;
• comprehensive localized weather information, provided through a new surface network of 20 automated weather stations located throughout Southwestern British Columbia.

Why is this important?
Weather will play a crucial role in the 2010 Winter Games. During the Games, Environment Canada's Meteorological Services will provide weather forecasts for critical weather elements like snow, visibility and extreme wind and storm warnings.  This crucial information will be used by Olympic event organizers, participants and spectators.

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Public Health and Safety

Did you know?
One of the Government of Canada's major roles during the 2010 Winter Games will be to ensure it can deal with any possible health risks, ranging from natural events and disasters to accidents or criminal and terrorist threats.

Together, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada will work closely with provincial authorities in British Columbia to provide high levels of emergency and medical services. In addition to the measures taken to ensure the safety and well being of everyone attending the Games, Health Canada's Employee Assistance Services Bureau will provide preparedness and response services to mitigate the impact of a major disaster on Government of Canada workers who will play an important role in ensuring that essential services are delivered to Canadians at all times, including during a major disaster.

Why is this important?
Hundreds of federal workers will be present at the 2010 Winter Games to provide first-response services to Canadians. Health Canada's role will be vital in ensuring that preparedness and response services are always available no matter the circumstances.

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Security Planning

Did you know?
Security planning for the 2010 Winter Games began as early as 2003.

As the lead agency responsible for security for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has formed the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (VISU). In addition to security, the unit collaborates with partner agencies on public safety issues.

The RCMP, Vancouver Police Department, Department of National Defence and other partners who make up the VISU have a long history of dealing with security at international events. They have developed a comprehensive security plan for the Games that is coordinated across departments and agencies. Through such partnerships, the unit can deliver the most effective security plan possible to ensure safe and secure 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Why is this important?
Security planning for such a large-scale event as the 2010 Winter Games is very important to ensure safety, peace, order and celebration. Preliminary security planning began as early as 2003 which has been instrumental in planning for all possible situations that could arise. Ultimately the 2010 VISU's early efforts will contribute to the safety and security of the athletes, officials and the public during the 2010 Winter Games.

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Sustainability

Did you know?
Sustainable Government of Canada activities in the Games include using electric and alternate fuel vehicles, reducing paper and practicing green procurement.

The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games offer the Government of Canada an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate to the world its leadership in sustainability. Environment Canada and its partners are working to maximize sustainable legacies—environmental, economic and social—from the Games.

The Government of Canada will showcase its commitment to the environment in the following areas:

• Public education on sustainable initiatives for the Games, nature preservation, and wildlife and traditional environmental knowledge.
  
• Community-led initiatives related to Canada's greenhouse gas emission reduction and clean air cooperative benefits.
  
• Best practices for environmental sustainability through federal government involvement during the Games.

Environmental Assessment

Did you know?
Environment Canada is providing technical, scientific and regulatory expertise regarding conservation of wildlife and wetlands, protection of species at risk, maintenance of water and air quality, and prevention of pollution to as many as ten environmental assessments in preparation for the 2010 Winter Games.

Environment Canada, as a Federal Authority under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, provides expertise and knowledge relevant to its mandate to the environmental assessment of the 2010 Winter Games facilities and venues.

Environment Canada's expert advice and science will help ensure that environmental factors and scientific knowledge are an integral part of the planning and design of the Games facilities and venues. Also, the department will help create an environmental legacy in support of Canada's commitment to host sustainable Games.

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Tax Issues

Did you know?
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is committed to ensuring that individuals and businesses involved with the Games receive timely, accurate and accessible information to help them fulfill their obligations as taxpayers.

The CRA administers the tax laws of the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories and also delivers various social and economic benefits through the tax system.

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