Canada is dusting off and updating emergency protocols to deal with fallout from a possible tactical nuclear exchange in Europe or the spread of radiation across the ocean from a Ukrainian power plant explosion.
Internal Public Safety Canada notes show the measures include updating a highly secret plan to ensure the federal government can continue to function in a severe crisis.
Ottawa was also taking steps to finalize a protocol for advising the Canadian public of an incoming ballistic missile, say the notes obtained by The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act.
Russia91裸聊视频檚 invasion of Ukraine in February last year prompted a series of federal discussions and initiatives aimed at bolstering Canada91裸聊视频檚 preparedness for a catastrophic nuclear event.
Public Safety notes prepared in advance of an August 2022 meeting of senior bureaucrats involved in emergency management show much of the concern focused on Ukraine91裸聊视频檚 Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which was hit by shelling.
91裸聊视频淥ngoing military activities have eroded safety systems, disrupted routine maintenance, weakened emergency response capabilities and impacted operating staff, increasing the risk of a severe accident,91裸聊视频� the notes say.
Officials anticipated the potential effects of an uncontrolled release of radioactivity, through direct exposure or eating contaminated food, would depend on proximity to the plant.
Global Affairs Canada procured potassium iodide pills as a precaution, with stocks distributed to Kyiv and neighbouring diplomatic missions in August 2022.
Officials also developed plans for a 91裸聊视频渟ignificant surge in requests for consular assistance91裸聊视频� expected after a power plant disaster.
No radiological effects to health were foreseen outside Ukraine following a major radiation release from Zaporizhzhya, nor any 91裸聊视频渁ppreciable risk91裸聊视频� to people in Canada, the notes say.
91裸聊视频淣o immediate protective measures would need to be implemented, although there could be some controls put in place for imports from Ukraine and surrounding areas due to potential contamination.91裸聊视频�
Under the Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan, Public Safety would co-ordinate communication to the public about an international nuclear event.
91裸聊视频淎 timely and well-co-ordinated response will be necessary to address public concern and high risk perception, and maintain trust in government.91裸聊视频�
The notes also say Public Safety and the Privy Council Office were doing a 91裸聊视频渞apid refresh91裸聊视频� of the Continuity of Constitutional Government plan, intended to ensure essential executive, legislative and judicial processes can take place during a major calamity.
The plan sets out a process for relocating key institutions including the Prime Minister91裸聊视频檚 Office, the federal cabinet, Parliament and the Supreme Court to an alternate site outside the National Capital Region.
The plan is a modern version of a Cold War-era program that would have seen members of the government move to an underground installation west of Ottawa now known as the Diefenbunker, a nod to Canada91裸聊视频檚 13th prime minister.
The internal notes also say a national Missile Warning Protocol had been ratified and 91裸聊视频渋nitial engagement91裸聊视频� with the provinces and territories had taken place.
The federal government and Canadian Armed Forces developed the protocol in 2018 to set out how the public and key federal partners would be informed of an inbound missile. On Jan. 13, 2018, a false ballistic missile alert sent terrified people in Hawaii scurrying for cover.
Public Safety Canada did not answer questions about updates to the constitutional continuity plan, the status of the missile warning protocol or any recent work done to enhance emergency preparedness for a nuclear event.
It is not unusual for a crisis like the one unfolding in Europe to prompt officials to accelerate a review of emergency plans, said Ed Waller, a professor at Ontario Tech University who researches nuclear security.
91裸聊视频淚 think that shows a responsive system,91裸聊视频� he said in an interview. 91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 actually very encouraging that they91裸聊视频檙e taking a good, solid look at this now.91裸聊视频�
Overall, Canada has long had well-thought-out and developed plans for dealing with a nuclear emergency, given the number of power reactors on its soil, he added.
91裸聊视频淚 honestly believe that we91裸聊视频檙e in decent shape. Can it get better? Yeah, anything can get better.91裸聊视频�
Although some sensitive material in the newly released notes was withheld from release, Waller said it 91裸聊视频渓ooked encouraging that they were addressing the right things.91裸聊视频�
READ ALSO:
READ ALSO:
