Questions and Answers about H1N1 Flu Virus

* An asterisk indicates a new question and answer.

Business Continuity Planning

Q1. What is the CFIA doing to minimize disruptions to its operations in the context of the H1N1 flu virus?

The Government Security Policy identifies the requirements for federal departments and agencies to establish business continuity plans. In the event of a disruption (for example, emergency, crisis, disaster), business continuity plans ensure the continuity of critical services and the availability of associated assets in order to assure the health, safety, security and economic well-being of Canadians, and the effective functioning of government.

Q2. Does the CFIA have a business continuity plan?

The CFIA has developed and exercised a business continuity plan that provides for the continued availability of services that are critical to the health, safety, security or economic well-being of Canadians. These services would likely cause a high degree of injury to Canadians and the government if they were disrupted.

The CFIA’s business continuity plan also establishes a governance structure that delineates clear lines of authority, accountability and responsibility for activities deemed necessary. The plan includes:

• establishing an emergency management framework;
• identifying and prioritizing the CFIA's time critical services and assets;
• establishing emergency communications strategies, training plans and recovery options; and
• creating provisions for the continuous review, testing and audit to ensure any changes are accounted for (e.g. legislation, critical services, organization, mandate, management, threat environment, stakeholders, dependencies, etc.).

Q3. How will the CFIA keep bargaining agents informed?

Business continuity planning and pandemic planning are standing items at the CFIA National Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH) Committee meetings to ensure that employees receive regular updates on planning through their bargaining agent.

*Q4. How do I find out about office closures?

The CFIA 1-866-431-1141 Corporate Security number will provide up-to-date information about reporting to work and possible building closures.

*Q5. How do I know if my services are required during an operational shut down?

Managers will inform employees whether they are responsible for providing critical services during an operational shutdown.

Managers should contact their Branch BCP coordinator for more details if they require further information.