Distinctions that existed between
external and internal security are disappearing. Now more than ever, this
new reality calls for global, national, regional, and local collaboration on the part
of all stakeholders. Within the Canadian federation, security is not the
exclusive purview of any one level of government. Several provincial
jurisdictions are directly involved. The powers exercised by Québec
regarding the administration of law and health care, the role it plays on
environmental and agricultural issues, its responsibilities with respect to
public safety, and the impact of new security issues on its economy are
indications that it cannot remain oblivious of international security
concerns. Québec can best contribute to international security objectives by
first and foremost protecting citizens within its territory, working to
preserve the flow of trade, making its strategic infrastructures more
secure, and ensuring that it does not become a source of threats to its
partners.
Two priorities will guide Québec’s initiatives:
Priority
Ensure rapid and reliable access to strategic
information and participate in the work of regional and international bodies
with respect to nonmilitary security matters:
Key Initiatives
- Establish a unit within the Ministère de la Sécurité
publique in charge of integrated management of security related
information.
- Intensify collaboration with Northeastern American states in security matters:
- Step up Québec’s
involvement in the Northeast Regional Homeland Security Directors
Consortium;
- Establish
bilateral cooperation between the Attorney General of Québec and
counterparts in bordering American states;
- Strengthen ties between administrative and police organizations in
Québec and in New York State;
- Increase
the number of security-related simulation exercises involving Québec
and Northeastern American states;
- Collaborate scientifically with the U.S. Center for Disease Control
(CDC) and conclude technical collaboration agreements with states of
the East Coast aimed at preventing the spread of infectious diseases
and pandemics.
- Intensify regional collaboration in environmental
security issues with special emphasis on improving air quality, reducing
greenhouse gases, preserving the resources of the St. Lawrence River and
fighting invasive species;
- Cooperate with France on civil protection issues and
establish an international network of francophone police training
facilities in collaboration with European countries;
- Participate in the work of international
organizations and forums dealing with nonmilitary threats.
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Priority
Facilitate the safe and efficient cross-border flow of
people and goods and enhance the security of Québec’s strategic
infrastructures:
Key Initiatives
- Establish infrastructures that facilitate traffic
flow, especially in FAST/Express lanes, at the following border
crossings: Lacolle, Saint-Armand-de-Philipsburg, Stanstead, and
Armstrong;
- Create training and financial support programs for
increasing smart border business accreditation;
- Participate in the Canada-United States Cargo
Security Project aimed at making intermodal containers secure;
- Complete the agri-foods tracking system;
- Secure electric energy infrastructures and Québec’s
fossil fuel supplies;
- Collaborate with the United States and some European
countries on making public information technology systems secure and
protecting personal information;
- Enhance the reliability of Québec-issued identity
documents to reflect new North American standards;
- Establish partnerships and enhance measures to
control immigration-related crime.
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