Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm delighted to be here with members to address chapter 7 of the Auditor General’s report on emergency management, an important responsibility of Public Safety Canada.
I'm accompanied by Myles Kirvan, Associate Deputy Minister of Public Safety; Daniel Lavoie, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Emergency Management and National Security; and Stéphane Larue, from the Privy Council Office, Director of Operations for Security and Intelligence.
The Government of Canada's first priority is protecting the safety and security of all Canadians. Given the variety, complexity, and changing nature of the challenges facing us today, we recognize the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.
We're pleased that the Auditor General noted that progress had been made in improving federal emergency coordination through the government operations centre, and that steps have been taken towards promoting a consistent approach to critical infrastructure protection and developing a cyber-security strategy.
But clearly many challenges remain before us. I have reviewed the chapter on emergency management and agree with its recommendations.
In response, the department has developed a management action plan with clearly articulated deliverables and timelines that address the five recommendations. We are confident that we will be able to make significant progress on all of them over the coming years.
Specifically, there are three areas where Public Safety Canada needs to raise its game.
First of all, a common theme running through the report is the need to develop policies and programs to clarify Public Safety Canada's leadership and coordination role. We will be seeking government approval of the federal emergency response plan, and we will do that as soon as possible. This will reinforce the understanding that federal departments have of their respective responsibilities, of the coordination role of Public Safety Canada, and where and how we are to cooperate in emergencies.
Secondly, the department needs to strengthen relationships with its stakeholders. That includes provincial and territorial governments, and the various private, not-for-profit organizations and agencies that have a role in emergency management. We remain committed to working with them, as closely as necessary, and productively as possible, and intend to expand that collaboration in the coming year.
Three, the department needs organizational stability. The report noted that we have had difficulty in attracting and retaining senior managers to provide direction and leadership. Addressing these issues will be a key priority to ensure that experienced and knowledgeable people are in place.
Planning, relationship-building, and organizational stability are clearly the three areas where the department will focus in the coming year. In doing so, I'm confident this will address the Auditor General's recommendations and strengthen the foundation upon which we carry out our mandate.
Mr. Chair, my colleagues and I would be pleased to take any questions from any of the members with respect to the report. Thank you for the opportunity to make these opening remarks.