To be effective, the National Strategy must be implemented in partnership among all levels of government and critical infrastructure sectors. Critical infrastructure owners and operators have the expertise and information that governments need to develop comprehensive emergency management plans. In turn, governments will share relevant information in a timely manner, respecting existing federal, provincial and territorial legislation and policies, to help owners and operators assess risk and identify best practices. This partnership approach recognizes that more resilient critical infrastructure helps foster an environment that stimulates economic growth, attracts and retains business, and creates employment opportunities. Governments bring value to the partnership through activities such as: • providing owners and operators with timely, accurate, and useful information on risks and threats; • ensuring industry is engaged as early as possible in the development of risk management activities and emergency management plans; and • working with industry to develop and prioritize key activities for each sector. The National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure represents the first milestone in the road ahead. It identifies a clear set of goals and objectives and outlines the guiding principles that will underpin our efforts to strengthen the resiliency of critical infrastructure. The National Strategy establishes a framework for cooperation in which governments and owners and operators can work together to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions of critical infrastructure and thereby safeguard the foundations of our country and way of life. 1. Purpose The purpose of the National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure (the Strategy) is to strengthen the resiliency of critical infrastructure in Canada. The Strategy works toward this goal by setting the direction for enhancing the resiliency of critical infrastructure against current and emerging hazards. 2. Strategic objectives With a view to enhancing the resiliency of critical infrastructure in Canada, the objectives of the Strategy are to: • • • build partnerships; implement an all-hazards risk management approach; and advance the timely sharing and protection of information among partners. 3