4.1 Build partnerships Strategic objective: Build partnerships to support and enhance critical infrastructure resiliency. Consistent with the Emergency Management Framework for Canada, strengthening the resiliency of critical infrastructure requires complementary and coherent action by all partners to promote the most effective use of resources and execution of activities. Complementary approaches to strengthening the resiliency of critical infrastructure at all levels will enable concerted efforts to facilitate timely and effective prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery measures to deal effectively with disruptions. In the event of an emergency or disruption of critical infrastructure, the first point of contact is the government of jurisdiction. Should a provincial or territorial government require resources beyond its own in an emergency or response to a disruption, the federal government will respond rapidly to requests for assistance. The Strategy recognizes that each responsible jurisdiction, department and agency, as well as critical infrastructure owners and operators, will exercise their responsibilities as they deem appropriate for strengthening the resiliency of critical infrastructure in Canada. To be effective, however, the implementation of this Strategy will require the collaboration of federal, provincial, territorial and critical infrastructure sector partners and the establishment of mechanisms to facilitate this collaboration. Sector networks The Strategy proposes to establish sector networks, at the national level, for each of the critical infrastructure sectors. This approach will build to the fullest extent possible upon existing coordination and consultation mechanisms. In recognition of the unique characteristics of each sector, the Strategy does not prescribe the structure of each sector network. The sector networks reflect a partnership model that will enable governments and critical infrastructure sectors to undertake the range of activities (e.g. risk assessments, plans to address risks, exercises) unique to each sector. Working with these critical infrastructure partners, each sector-specific federal department and agency will facilitate the development of sector networks to suit the needs of their stakeholders. The Strategy provides a framework for the functions of the sector networks, including: • • • promotion of timely information sharing; • development of tools and best practices for strengthening the resiliency of critical infrastructure across the full spectrum of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. 6 identification of issues of national, regional or sectoral concern; use of subject-matter expertise from critical infrastructure sectors to provide guidance on current and future challenges; and