Discussion Board

Discussion Board 1, 5%, Perspectives on CI
Choose one question to resolve in your discussion board posting this week:
1. As the value of critical infrastructure to its operators is primarily based on its ability to
provide economic returns…how does the ongoing need for infrastructure to make money
affect the implementation of critical infrastructure protection in your community?
Critical infrastructure (CI) as defined by Public Safety Canada, is “processes, systems,
facilities, technologies, networks, assets and services essential to the health, safety, security or
economic well-being of Canadians and the effective functioning of government” (Public
Safety Canada, 2020). CI can be an individual or interconnected business located
interprovincially or internationally. As a result, any disruptions to CI can be catastrophic
affecting multiple organizations at the same time. The value of CI is primarily based on
economic returns just like any other operation, with the cost-benefit margins being very
similar in nature. However CI is more difficult to manage because it is not visible to the
public. CI’s economic returns are more complex in structure as it includes but is not limited to
hospitals, first responders, energy and utilities, and agriculture to say a few which cannot be
attributed a dollar value to the public. They are businesses and industries that are required to
continue to respond to the supply and demand of society and often are tangible or professional
measures. Therefore CI often involves risk assessments, all hazard risk approach, control and
policy implementation, and cost-benefit analysis to obtain information on the performance,
effectiveness, and demand to justify their funding.
The government uses different approaches to strengthen CI resilience of Canada’s vital assets.
This can be done through a combination of security measures to address the accidental and
intentional incidents. CI functions through business continuity, “the ability to plan and combat
difficult situations while the applicable organization continues to maintain its normal function
with as little disruption as possible” (BCI, n.d.). Alongside business continuity emergency
management planning is used to ensure that we have the proper tools and resources to combat
these emergencies. Similarity Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), is the protection of
those assets against emergencies not limited to natural disasters, terrorist activities, societal,
biohazardous, or accidental events. In the County of Renfrew, more specifically Renfrew, ON,
the ongoing need for economic return from critical infrastructure is a vital part of society. The
lack of CI would result in business closures, increased unemployment rates, and temporary
loss of essential services.
In Renfrew, much like other small communities, CI protection is necessary. Having it exposed
to the elements can cause damage to systems that the communities are dependent on. For
example, modern society is reliant on technology and electronics for the majority of its
systems. This includes hospital equipment, pharmacy equipment, communication devices (cell
phones, tablets, and computers), bank machines, banking, and education. Without the use of
technology, most people wouldn't be able to function. More importantly, CI needs to continue
to bring in revenue because the more businesses, industries and installations there are, the
more opportunities a community has to expand and establish a better CI. Therefore if CI
decreased and revenue wasn't being brought in existing systems can become stressed, making
certain services unavailable or unattainable to its residents. For example, the County of
Renfrew Paramedic’s run a community paramedicine program allowing at-risk populations to
have the ability to get vaccines, home care  and medical aid. This program has been funded by
the increased revenue in the County (therefore allowing more employment opportunities).

This program has allowed residents of the County of Renfrew to get their COVID-19
vaccination at home.
In the end, the framework of CI is based on economic returns. This allows CI to be supported,
maintained, and developed as infrastructure changes in rural and urban communities. In turn
allowing them to increase or decrease CI based on the economic investments placed in the
community.
Works Cited:
Bci. “Introduction to Business Continuity.” The Business Continuity Institute
(BCI), www.thebci.org/knowledge/introduction-to-business-continuity.html.
“Canada's Critical Infrastructure.” Public Safety Canada / Sécurité Publique Canada, 19 May
2020, www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/crtcl-nfrstrctr/cci-iec-en.aspx.