2012

 

2011

Annual Public Safety Interoperability Workshop Ends on a High Note

The Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop – the flagship event of the Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG) ‑ again brought together a broad base of public safety and emergency management practitioners to develop a mutual understanding of the key voice and data interoperability issues facing today's public safety sector. Held from December 5 to 7, 2011 in Ottawa, the nearly 300 delegates came away with real-world insights, practical knowledge, and a common sense approach to moving forward while attending sessions on the hottest interoperability issues facing public safety today and while being “put to work" during extensive break-out sessions.

The Workshop delivered on its theme of “From Results to Successes!” and participants (delegates, sponsors and exhibitors) widely regarded this year’s Workshop as the most successful event to date. Emerging from the Workshop was recognition that responders and partners were galvanized and well-positioned to address 700 MHz broadband spectrum challenge. There was also wide-spread agreement that land mobile radio voice interoperability remains a significant area of concern – more must be done to raise awareness about the issue and help mobilize leadership to operationalize impending technological advances. Participants also identified the need to strengthen links between responder community and national research efforts.

Overall, it was clear that CITIG has come a long way in five years. Building on that success, the three Chiefs associations, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) and Emergency Medical Services Chiefs of Canada (EMSCC) announced that they will be transitioning the day-to-day operations of CITIG to the Associations as of January 1, 2012. The Canadian Police Research Centre (CPRC), a key supporter and contributor to the success of CITIG, will gradually take a less active role and reposition its interoperability work primarily into the technology, test and evaluation domain.

Despite the changes in governance, CITIG will remain the unified voice of the responder community. The CACP, CAFC, EMSCC and CPRC and the more than 850 volunteer members from the responder community, all orders of government, non-governmental organizations, associations, academia and industry continue to be committed to CITIG and to work together to improve public safety interoperability in Canada.

For those who attended the conference, please do you part to tell us how we did by filling out the electronic evaluation at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PMBYBBB. Those who complete the evaluation by Friday, December 16, 2011 will be entered in a random draw for a BlackBerry Playbook, courtesy of our friends at Research in Motion. And remember, the Sixth Annual Public Safety Interoperability Workshop is tentatively scheduled for December 2 to 5, 2012 in Toronto. Details to follow!

NPSTC Quarterly Newsletter

Please download or visit this link for the Fall 2011 National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) Quarterly Newsletter. Topics of interest include:

• Concepts on Information Sharing and Interoperability
• OEC Showcases Successful Implementation of the Interoperability Continuum
• NECP Update from Office of Emergency Communications
• Virtual USA: The Right Information, at the Right Time, for the Right People
• Intrinsically Safe Discussions Continue
• Updates of some Canadian Initiatives and Events

Maximizing Technology Partnerships in Challenging Economic Times

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Informatics Committee is pleased to announce a workshop entitled Maximizing Technology Partnerships in Challenging Economic Times, taking place in Toronto from February 22 to 24, 2012. The workshop will focus on key issues including maximizing service delivery and cost efficiencies by leveraging emergency services partnerships and emerging technologies, as well as understanding the opportunities and implications of 700 megahertz for your organization. For complete details, visithttp://www.cacp.ca/index/eventscontent?contentId=1170.

Interoperability Case Studies

In September, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications Office published a series of case studies highlighting a few examples of the tremendous progress made in the field of emergency communications since September 11, 2001. These case studies align with the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum and are available here and in the “Interoperability Case Studies” under the “Toolkit” tab on the CITIG member site.

Arctic Communication Infrastructure Assessment Report now Available!

The Arctic Communication Infrastructure Assessment (ACIA) report is now available at www.aciareport.ca. The Report identifies the issues and challenges facing governments and service providers in ensuring the Canadian Arctic is properly connected for the benefit of Arctic citizens and all Canadians. Of note, there’s a section on “Interoperability problems” in the chapter on “Emergency Response Challenges.”

New RFP for Scientific and Technological Capabilities in Support to Public Security

On October 21, 2011, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the provision of a range of S&T services to the Centre for Security Science (CSS) was posted on www.merx.com (search “CSS” ‑ closes November 30, 2011). The RFP involves ensuring “adherence to requirements and standards, access to first responders and reaching the desired level of performance” in 11 areas of expertise, including emergency management and systems interoperability.

Public Safety Minister Toews at CITIG National Workshop

The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada’s Public Safety Minister, will deliver a speech to emergency responder agencies from across Canada at The Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop: A CITIG National Forum. Click this link for the media advisory.

Call for IAEM Canada Student Participation at the Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop!

Students belonging to the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) have been presented with a unique opportunity. In a new partnership, CITIG will be offering four students with a significant discount of the regular conference registration fee in exchange for assistance with the conference report and possibly other duties at the event. Download the application form or visit the IAEM Web site for complete details. Application deadline is November 18, 2011.

The Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop is now SOLD OUT!

The conference is now sold out for anyone wishing to attend as a delegate! If you would like to be placed on a waiting list please fax the registration form to Sara Sowieta at (613) 383-0372.  A confirmation will be sent to you once received. There are a few exhibitor spaces left. The main Exhibit Hall sold out, but a minimal number of exhibit spaces are now available in a secondary room. For complete information, go to http://www.cacp.ca/index/eventscontent?contentId=1048.

Agenda Released for the Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop!

Ottawa is the place to be from December 4 to 7 for the Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop, and this year's event is shaping up to be the best ever with lots of great new speakers, workshops and new exhibitors. The agenda (just released and draft/subject to change) features:

• A Special Workshop on Social Media for Emergency Management – A “Hands On” Tutorial
• A Slave Lake Case Study
• Implementing a 700 MHz Broadband Network for Mission Critical Public Safety Data in New York City, featuring Deputy Chief Charles Dowd from NYPD
• 700 MHz for Mission Critical Public Safety Data in Canada: Why should I care?
• Arctic & Remote Interoperability – Challenges and Opportunities
• Networked/ Connected Vehicles – What it means to Public Safety Interoperability
• Communications Interoperability around the world – How Non-Governmental Organizations Manage
• Multi-Agency Situational Awareness System – Advancing on the Interoperability Continuum
• Public Private Partnership for Communications Interoperability Projects: Making it Real
• Workshops on Regional Interoperability Strategic Planning, Provincial Updates, P25 Updates, Interoperability Research and much more!

In addition, we will have a draw for a Blackberry Playbook courtesy of our friends at RIM. Be sure to register right away (we will sell out!) and please share this news with all your public safety interoperability contacts (and don’t forget to leverage Social Media)! For complete information, go to http://www.cacp.ca/index/eventscontent?contentId=1048.

2011 Provincial Emergency Management Conference

Presented by the Canadian Red Cross, the 2011 Provincial Emergency Management Conference features the theme “Best Practices-Reducing Risks, Improving Outcomes” and takes place November 6 to 9, 2011 at the, Ambassador Conference Resort in Kingston, Ontario. Join fellow emergency planners, first responders, government professionals, health professionals, non-governmental organizations, elected officials, safety officers and others who play an important role in emergency preparedness, management and response for what promise to be the best conference yet! Click here for complete details.

APCO Canada 2011 Conference in Ottawa

The APCO annual conference is being held in Ottawa from November 6 to 9, 2011. This educational and networking event is attended by public safety decision-makers, frontline operations personnel, instructors and associates across Canada as well as abroad. There will be four educational tracks for this conference: Frontline Operations, Leadership & Management, Training and Public Safety Technology.

For more information on the 2011 APCO Canada Conference, please visit the conference website atwww.apcocanada-conference.ca and be sure to follow them on Twitter (APCOCanada) and Facebook (APCOCanada2010).

Registration Now Open for the Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop: A CITIG National Forum

Join us in Ottawa from Sunday evening December 4, 2011 to noon on Wednesday December 7, 2011 for the Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop. With a theme of “from results to successes,” this year’s Workshop aims to again bring together a broad base of public safety and emergency management practitioners to develop a mutual understanding of the key voice and data interoperability issues facing today’s public safety sector. With a focus on information exchange, topic-specific discussion and interactive break-outs, the fifth national workshop aims to support and promote the transfer of best practices and experience, and the development of a more unified approach to public safety interoperability across the country, between nations and internationally. Click here to register online. Do it early — all past workshops have sold out! Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities still available. Visit this link for full details.

FCC Workshop/Webinar on Rapidly Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture

On October 31, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) will hold a workshop and webinar to explore how “deployable aerial communications architecture” (DACA) can be used to provide communications following a catastrophic event when the terrestrial communications infrastructure is severely damaged or unavailable. Audio and video of the meeting will be broadcast live with open captioning over the Internet from the FCC’s web page at www.fcc.gov/live. For complete details, including the agenda, click here.

8th Canadian Risk and Hazards Network (CRHNet) Symposium

Taking place in Ottawa from October 19 to 21, 2011, the 8th CRHNet Symposium explores how to build disaster resilience, concentrating on what we have learned about the multidimensionality and complexity of resilience and in Canada about what makes a resilient city and aboriginal community. Consider attending, and visit www.crhnet.ca for full details.

CITIG #5 Agenda Coming Together and a Social Media Workshop Announced!

The Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop is being held in Ottawa from December 4 to 7, and this year's event is shaping up to be the best ever with lots of great new speakers, workshops and new exhibitors.  Please be sure you have booked your booth (only a few left) and/or registered as a participant ‑ we expect to sell out even earlier this year (we turned away 40 people last year).

The official agenda will be released soon. Of note, recognized expert Massimiliano (Max) Claps from Gartner Government Research will lead a discussion on public-private partnerships (P3) that will surely interest many. Max will be joined by David Guscott, President and CEO, E-Comm and Jamey Burr, Director, Business Development, P3 Canada, to discuss how P3s present unique opportunities to first responders and government agencies looking for innovative solutions to their communications needs.

As well, we are pleased to announce a Special Workshop on the afternoon of Sunday, December 4, 2011. The Social Media for Emergency Management: A Hands On Tutorial will introduce you to the power of social media and help you get started with creating your own social media accounts. NOTE that this session is only open to delegates who have ALREADY registered for the full Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop, and we are only accepting the first 50 registrations in order to make this event as interactive and personal as possible. For full details, see this link.

Be sure to register right away and please share this news with all your public safety interoperability contacts (and don’t forget to leverage Social Media)! To register for CITIG #5, go to http://www.cacp.ca/index/eventscontent?contentId=1048.

PSHSB White Paper on the Role of Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture in Emergency Communications

Most will agree that communications capabilities are often limited during and immediately after disasters, when the terrestrial communications infrastructure may be severely damaged or unavailable for a period of time. To gain insight into potential technological solutions to this issue, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) issued in early 2011 a public notice soliciting comment on the ability of deployable aerial communications architecture (DACA) to provide communications when the terrestrial communications infrastructure is severely damaged or unavailable. The resulting white paper is available here.

4th Annual First Responder Vendor Outreach Forum only Weeks Away

Join us on October 18 and 19 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver for the4th Annual First Responder Vendor Outreach Forum. This Forum brings together a seminal and exclusive gathering of Canada’s First Responder and public safety leaders with some of North America’s most innovative providers of security technologies for the primary purpose of creating discussion and forging professional relationships between these normally distant groups.

Special offer: Act now, and CITIG members can take advantage of “CATA Member” rate ($200 savings versus non-member rate) to the Forum on a first-come, first served basis. Any vendors interested in obtaining an Executive Boardroom can also mention this announcement and receive 10% off their purchase. To learn more about the Forum including speaker agenda, identities of the 30+ Dragon Den ‘investors’, and Boardroom costs, please visit the launch portal (http://www.cata.ca/Media_and_Events/FR_VOF/BC/).

Canadian Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Deployments and Tri-Services Interoperability Study

This is a pivotal piece of research for Canadian First Responders. By quantifying LMR spending, and better understanding where and when these systems will be renewed, First Responders, funding bodies and governments will be able to make more informed critical, cost effective communication decisions that support technological interoperability. Please go tohttp://survey.openvenue.com/cprc to access the study and obtain your password. The survey is also available in French: Veuillez vous rendre à http://survey.openvenue.com/cprc pour accéder à l'étude et obtenir votre mot de passe.

CITIG #5 Only a Few Months Away!

The Fifth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop is being held in Ottawa from December 4 to 7, and this year's event is shaping up to be the best ever with lots of great new speakers, workshops and new exhibitors. Of note, we we'll have a couple of surprises: we will be hosting a special Sunday afternoon session on Social Media, and one lucky workshop delegate will receive a BlackBerry Playbook (a $500 value) courtesy of Research in Motion ‑ details on the session and delegate draw coming soon. Please be sure you have booked your booth (only a few left) and/or registered as a participant ‑ we expect to sell out even earlier this year (we turned away 40 people last year). To register for CITIG #5, go to http://www.cacp.ca/index/eventscontent?contentId=1048.

4^th Annual First Responder Vendor Outreach Forum – Deadlines to Sponsor/Register Fast Approaching

The Fourth Annual First Responder Vendor Outreach Forum takes place October 18 and 19 in Vancouver at the prestigious Pan Pacific Hotel. Now available are the official agenda identifying the keynotes and speakers addressing the Forum’s exclusive audience of emergency responders, public safety leaders, vendors, government and academic stakeholders, and the list of the “Dragon’s Den investors” providing their exclusive audience to our sponsors. Visit the launch portal for more information and to register to attend. Of note, vendors looking to sponsor the Forum and obtain an audience with our ‘investors’ should download the prospectus.

Agenda Released for the Wireless Innovation Forum Workshop

The Wireless Innovation Forum Workshop on "Enabling Interoperability” takes place in Montreal on September 15, 2011. The goal of the workshop is to explore how various technologies can be utilized to improve communications between services, agencies, or jurisdictions that have historically been hampered by incompatible radio systems operating on different protocols or frequencies. The workshop will cross commercial, public safety and defence domains, and will include a look at both requirements and regulations. Click here for the agenda and visit the conference Web site for registration and other details.

FCC Open Meeting

The tentative agenda for the next Federal Communications Commission (FCC) open meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 12, 2011 includes:

• Low Power FM and FM Translator Stations Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• Cramming Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• E911 Location Accuracy Third Report and Order, Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The Meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. in Washington, D.C. The event will be shown live atwww.FCC.gov/live.

NPSTC Quarterly Newsletter

Please visit this link for the Spring 2011 National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) Quarterly Newsletter. Topics of interest include:

• Canada-United States Border Radio Coverage
• Intrinsically Safe Discussions Continue
• Narrowband Interoperability: It's More than Just the Project 25 Standard
• Narrowbanding 101
• Exciting New Projects for the Broadband Working Group

Fourth Annual Vendor Outreach Forum – Registration Portal Now Available

CATAAlliance, along with its founding supporters, the Canadian Police Research Centre (CPRC) and the Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG) is pleased to announce the formal launch of the highly anticipated Fourth Annual First Responder Vendor Outreach Forum, taking place October 18 and 19 in Vancouver at the prestigious Pan Pacific Hotel. Visit the launch portal here for more information and to register to attend. Note that First Responders and Public Safety representatives participating as a Speaker or participating in Executive Boardroom series attend at no cost.

Tri-Services Rebuttal Comments for Industry Canada 700 MHz Spectrum Consultation

The Tri-Services submitted their reply to comments from other parties regarding the Industry Canada consultation on 700 MHz spectrum on April 6, 2011. Overall, the Tri-Services and public safety stakeholders were pleased to see that the majority of responses to the consultation acknowledged the need to designate a portion of 700 MHz spectrum to be dedicated for public safety use. See the complete reply atwww.action700.ca.

Registration Now Open for CITIG Northern Forum — Iqaluit on August 30

The Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG) with its valued partner — the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) — are hosting a regional forum for those interested in furthering public safety interoperability in Iqaluit and beyond. You are invited to join us in person on August 30, 2011. Click here for full details.

Wireless Innovation Forum Workshop: “Enabling Interoperability”

The Wireless Innovation Forum (SDR Forum Version 2.0) will hold its 70th working meeting from September 12th to 15th, 2011, in Montreal, Canada, featuring the workshop "Enabling Interoperability". The meeting will include working sessions advancing the Forum’s 2011 operations plan in support of the commercial, public safety, satellite communications, and international tactical radio communities. Visit the Workshop Web site for complete details.

London Regional Forum a Success

By all accounts, the London Regional Forum was a great day for all.  The event was co-sponsored by the London Police Service and London Emergency Management and held in the new London Emergency Operations Centre, a first class facility. In addition to presentations by Industry Canada, Emergency Management Ontario, Government of Ontario Radio Project, Durham Regional Police and MA-SAS, among others, an afternoon workshop gave participants a “hands-on” chance to improve interoperability in the region. Thanks to our hosts and the 70 or so registered for the event! The day’s presentations can be found under the “Past Meetings” tab on the Member portion of the site.

Join PTSC Online

PTSC-Online (http://www.ptsc-online.ca/) is a Canadian virtual on line community, founded to encourage improvements to emergency management, business continuity and critical infrastructure protection programs. It does that by providing tools for sharing information and collaboration about these programs among stakeholders. Check out the latest posting by Edward Myers of Frontline Security Magazine discussing the need for Interoperability Standards as discussed at the recent CATA First Responder Vendor Outreach Forum in Halifax.

U.S. Border Interoperability Demonstration Project

On May 2, 2011, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced grant funding under the Office of Emergency Communications’ (OEC)Border Interoperability Demonstration Project (BIDP) — a one-time competitive grant program focused on developing innovative solutions to strengthen interoperable emergency communications along the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico.  Of particular interest to Canada, the following projects were announced:

• County of Washington, Maine—$3,963,163 for the Enhanced Communications Infrastructure and Partnerships for Border Security Project.
• Wayne County, Michigan—$4,000,000 for the Southeast Michigan Border Interoperability Solution Project.
• Interoperability Montana, Montana—$3,895,425 for the Northern Tier Consortium Border Interoperability Demonstration Project.
• Lake County, Ohio—$3,998,200 for the Multi-Agency, Multi-Jurisdictional U.S. Regional & International Interoperable Communications Infrastructure and Maritime Domain Awareness Project.

Additional information about the BIDP selections can be found in the press release and fact sheet. For any questions relating to the BIDP program, please contact us at BIDP@hq.dhs.gov.

A Practical Guide to Narrowbanding

The US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) has released a guidance document entitled A Practical Guide to Narrowbanding. Designed to provide best practices and recommendations for overcoming the most common challenges agencies may experience when transitioning to narrowband, A Practical Guide to Narrowbanding contains a step-by-step guide, case studies and customizable letter templates. Click here for the Guideor visit the OEC Web site.

Registration Now Open for LondonRegional Interoperability Meetingon May 12

The Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG) with its valued partners — the London Police Service and City of London — are hosting a regional forum for those interested in furthering public safety interoperability in the London area and beyond. You are invited to join us in person on May 12, 2011. Click here for full details.

Rapidly Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture

The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) has filed comments relative to the FCC's Docket entitled, "Rapidly Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture Capable of Providing Immediate Communications to Disaster Areas". Click here to download the NPSTC filing.

Study Finds Reallocating D Block is $3.4B More Economical than Auction

In a study released on March 1, 2011, the Phoenix Center finds that assigning the 10 megahertz of contiguous 700 MHz spectrum, the D block, to public safety could provide at least $3.4 billion more in social benefits than auctioning the spectrum for commercial use. The Phoenix Study is available for download here.

Public Safety Partners Call for 20 MHz of Dedicated 700 MHz Spectrum

The first phase of the Industry Canada consultation on 700 MHz closed on February 28, 2011. By all accounts, public safety representatives from all levels are in sync in their responses, including the Tri-Services Special Purpose Committee on 700 MHz Broadband for Mission Critical Public Safety Data (on behalf of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and Emergency Medical Services Chiefs of Canada and its public safety partners). Visit www.action700.ca for more information or click here to view the Tri-Services submission and related materials.

President Obama Calls for a U.S. Nationwide, Interoperable Wireless Network For Public Safety

From a February 11, 2011 White House Press Release: "The 9/11 Commission noted that our homeland security is vulnerable, in part, due to the lack of interoperable wireless communication among first responders. The rollout of 4G high speed wireless services provides a unique opportunity to deploy such a system in conjunction with the commercial infrastructure already being developed and deployed.  To seize that opportunity, President Obama is calling for an investment of $10.7 billion to ensure that our public safety benefits from these new technologies: $3.2 billion to reallocate the “D Block” (which is a band of spectrum that would be reserved and prioritized for public safety and not auctioned as called for under existing law); $7 billion to support the deployment of this network; and $500 million from the WIN Fund for R&D and technological development to tailor the network to meet public safety requirements.  This investment, in coordination with the investment in rural buildout, will ensure that the rollout of 4G in rural areas serves the needs of public safety and the broader community."

NPSTC Position Paper on Proposed Changes to Intrinsically Safe Standard

On January 25, 2011, The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) released it’s position paper on Intrinsically Safe Radios expressing concern about the potential negative technical and financial impact on public safety users of LMR that require the intrinsically safe certification. Download the position paper here. Since that time, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) expressed support of the position. See comments here.

Communications Interoperability Strategy and Action Plan for Canada Announced!

On January 26, 2011 in Toronto, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for emergency management discussed and approved Communications Interoperability Strategy for Canada and its supporting Action Plan. Many CITIG memebers made direct contributions to the Strategy and Action Plan that are designed to advance improvements to voice and data communications interoperability for first responders across Canada. The official press release (English and French or visit Public Safety Canada's Web site) makes special mention of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, Canadian Association of Police Chiefs, and Emergency Medical Service Chiefs of Canada for their valuable contribution to the development of the strategy and action plan on communications interoperability.

Also stated in the release: “the Ministers discussed the current consultation related to the 700 MHz broadband spectrum and securing a portion for the use of emergency responders for public safety and security purposes. Provincial and territorial ministers expressed support for this approach as it offers significant interoperability enhancement potential. The use of the 700 MHz spectrum would link public safety and security stakeholder communities across Canada and along the Canada-U.S. border, while promoting innovation and Canada’s digital economy.”

Stakeholder Survey Regarding 700 MHz Now Live

Visit this link by February 18 to complete a brief survey. As you may know, Canada’s spectrum regulator, Industry Canada, has opened consultations on the 700 MHz broadband allocations (the result of spectrum availability due to the transition from analog television to digital) that will ultimately affect public safety agencies’ ability to deploy mission critical data well into the future. The Chiefs’ associations in cooperation with CATAAlliance are working with partners to determine exact needs and optimal use of the soon to be available spectrum for Canadian public safety in general. Participating in the survey will help develop/support a common position on the issue. Public safety’s voice must be heard. Please visit www.action700.ca for more information (including recent announcements in the U.S.).

This consultation is open to Canadian first responders, vendors, military personnel, border agents, public servants, etc., or simply as a concerned citizen.

Associations announce the formation of Tri-Services Special Purpose Committee on 700 MHz Broadband for Public Safety Data!

On Wednesday, December 8, 2010 during the Fourth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop, the presidents of Canada’s three major associations representing police, fire and emergency medical services announced the creation of the Tri-Services Special Purpose Committee on 700 MHz Broadband for Mission Critical Public Safety Data. The creation of the Committee is in direct response to Industry Canada’s recent announcement of public consultations on the use of the 700 MHz band by commercial mobile services. See www.action700.ca!

Get your copy of Emergency Communications Forum

Formerly the Emergency Communications Quarterly, the Emergency Communications Forum (ECF) is the latest evolution of Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications (OEC)’s stakeholder outreach efforts. The ECF engages and informs emergency responders; policy makers; and Federal, State, local, and tribal officials about issues and events that directly affect everyday nationwide emergency communications. The November issue features a story on the September Cross-Border Workshop in Windsor. Download it here.

2011 International Conference on Innovative Solutions for Law Enforcement

The 2011 International Conference on Innovative Solutions for Law Enforcement will be held on April 28-29 at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, and includes a presentation by CITIG. Click here for details.

2010

Victoria Workshop Recap

On December 5 to 8, 2010, the Fourth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop in Victoria welcomed over 240 delegates — most were responders from across Canada, but delegates and speakers also included representatives from the U.S., the U.K. and New Zealand. The most notable outcome of the Workshop involved the creation of the Tri-Services Special Purpose Committee on 700 MHz Broadband for Mission Critical Public Safety Data (in direct response to Industry Canada’s recent announcement of public consultations on the use of the 700 MHz band by commercial mobile services).

The Committee was struck jointly by CACP, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), Emergency Medical Services Chiefs of Canada (EMSCC) to monitor and advise on the 700 MHz issue, inform stakeholders, identify responder spectrum needs and formulate a response to the Industry Canada consultation which closes on February 28, 2011. While the associations have collaborated in the past, establishment of a joint committee is unprecedented and reflects the critical nature of the challenge. Since the announcement, many groups representing public safety, utilities and industry have come forward to assist. In fact, during the announcement at the Workshop, over 90 delegates volunteered their services in preparation of a consultation response. More information is available at www.action700.ca.

The National Workshop also highlighted significant progress on many other fronts including:

• the National Strategy for Communications Interoperability and accompanying action plans;
• a way forward to advance National Data Quality Standards; and
• a look at emerging issues like in-building 3D location for responders, to name a few.

Special thanks go to CACP, CAFC, EMSCC, CPRC and other key partners that helped make the Workshop a success.

The date has been set for the fifth National Workshop. We hope you can join us from December 4 to 7, 2011 in Ottawa, Ontario.

Associations announce the formation of Tri-Services Special Purpose Committee on 700 MHz Broadband for Public Safety Data!

On Wednesday, December 8, 2010 during the Fourth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop, the presidents of Canada’s three major associations representing police, fire and emergency medical services announced the creation of the Tri-Services Special Purpose Committee on 700 MHz Broadband for Mission Critical Public Safety Data. The creation of the Committee is in direct response to Industry Canada’s recent announcement of public consultations on the use of the 700 MHz band by commercial mobile services. See www.action700.ca!

Consultations Begin on Issue that will affect Mission Critical Data Communications for Public Safety for Years to Come!

On December 1, 2010, Industry Canada initiated consultation on what is known as 700 MHz band spectrum. This particular band of spectrum represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to enable mission critical data communications for Public Safety for years to come. The consultation closes February 28, 2011. Download the consultation document here, or visit the Spectrum Management Web site. More information on this critical issue will follow!

Regional Forum in Pembroke Well Received

About 50 people (the majority being area first responders) attended the Eastern Ontario-Western Quebec CITIG Regional Forum in Pembroke, Ontario on November 23. Hosted by the County of Renfrew and CITIG, the Forum featured presentations on emerging issues and facilitated sessions on collaboration on interoperability and on building a regional interoperability plan. Materials presented at the Forum are available for download on the member portion of the site under Past Meetings.

Join PTSC Online

PTSC-Online (http://www.ptsc-online.ca/) is a Canadian virtual on line community, founded to encourage improvements to emergency management, business continuity and critical infrastructure protection programs. It does that by providing tools for sharing information and collaboration about these programs among stakeholders. Check out the latest posting by Edward Myers of Frontline Security Magazine discussing the need forInteroperability Standards as discussed at the recent CATA First Responder Vendor Outreach Forum in Halifax.

2011 International Conference on Innovative Solutions for Law Enforcement

The 2011 International Conference on Innovative Solutions for Law Enforcement will be held on April 28-29 at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, and includes a presentation by CITIG. Click here for details.

Emergency Planning Exercises for Your Organization

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is now providing, free for your download and use, a series of Tabletop Exercise presentations as a tool to advance your organization’s continuity, preparedness and resiliency. Each exercise takes your team through a realistic disaster scenario and facilitates a discussion of how your organization would plan, protect, respond and recover. Each includes full instructor’s notes so you can gather a facilitator and a team of participants, and self-facilitate the exercise internally.

The first two exercises, for a major Hurricane and rail Chemical Accident, also feature simulated TV news videos suggesting exercise-focused local reporting of the disasters. This feature adds a sense of realism and helps to motivate interactive discussion. The exercises typically take 2-4 hours from start to finish and can be customized where noted in the facilitator’s notes to meet your needs. Click here to find 2010 Tabletop Exercises free downloads.

Get your copy of Emergency Communications Forum

Formerly the Emergency Communications Quarterly, the Emergency Communications Forum (ECF) is the latest evolution of Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications (OEC)’s stakeholder outreach efforts. The ECF engages and informs emergency responders; policy makers; and Federal, State, local, and tribal officials about issues and events that directly affect everyday nationwide emergency communications. The November issue features a story on the September Cross-Border Workshop in Windsor. Download it here.

Fourth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop now SOLD OUT!

For the fourth consecutive year, the CITIG National Workshop is sold out. Thanks to all who registered — you will undoubtedly make this year’s Workshop the best yet. Click here for the updated agenda. For those who are unable to attend, be sure to check this Web site for updates throughout the Workshop.

MASAS Outreach and Planning Session

The GeoConnections Program and the Centre for Security Science invite you to a national Multi-Agency Situational Awareness System (MASAS) outreach and planning session the afternoon of December 8, following the Fourth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop: A CITIG National Forum.  The Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG) has graciously offered to host this special session. Click here for details.

Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program Announced

The Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP) is a $40 million program that aims to promote innovation and support the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in Canada. This pilot program (concludes in early 2013) will provide funding for purchasing and testing of pre-commercialized innovative goods and services by Government of Canada departments. If you are a Canadian business with an innovative technology that has not yet been sold commercially, visitwww.buyandsell.gc.ca/innovation for information about the Call for Proposal which closes November 4, 2010.

Draft Agenda Released for Fourth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop

Only few exhibit spaces are left and registrations are filling up fast for the Fourth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop from December 5 to 8, 2010 in beautiful Victoria, B.C. Please register early as we have sold out both delegate/exhibit space all three previous events. The official agenda will be release soon. Download the draft agenda. Key presentations include:

• Public Safety Canada on the Canadian Communications Interoperability Plan;
• NIST on P25 Updates and related issues;
• Industry Canada on 700 MHz and Broadband updates;
• Province-wide Land Mobile Radio Projects - an Update;
• New Zealand Police - Interoperability Challenges and Successes;
• Department of Homeland Security on In Building 3D Location and Tracking;
• Incident Command Systems - A National Approach with International Linkages;
• City of Seattle on Building a Public Safety Wireless Broadband Network; and
• P3 Canada on Public Private Partnerships - An Alternative Funding Model.

Visit http://www.cacp.ca/index/eventscontent?contentId=851 to register on line.

CPRC Call for Proposals — Funding Available to Address National First Responder and Security Priorities

Through the federal government’s Canadian Police Research Centre, up to $1.5 million will be available for science and technology (S&T) projects to strengthen Tri-Services (police, fire and emergency medical services) agencies to produce new knowledge and technologies that enhance public safety and security communities.  Improved interoperability among the Tri-Services is listed as an investment priority. The CPRC actively seeks interested partners, collaborators, and stakeholders from academia, industry, government departments and the Tri-Services for its projects. The project proposal process is open, transparent and competitive.

For details, please consult the MERX Canadian Public Tenders Web site at www.merx.com and insert the term “CPRC” in the search box or http://www.css.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/cprc/proj-prop/index-eng.asp.

UPDATED: FCC Spectrum Summit

The FCC will host a summit meeting on October 21 from 10:00 AM to 2:45 PM ET on spectrum issues related to mobile broadband implementation. The meeting will include participation from leaders in government, industry, academic and financial sectors. The event is open to the public, but the Commission advises that registration is limited to available seating capacity. Individuals who are interested in attending should register by e-mail. The address is spectrumsummit@FCC.gov. Deadline for registration is Oct. 19, 2010. There will also be a live Webcast of the event which can be viewed atwww.fcc.gov/live. Visit www.fcc.gov/live for the official agenda and other details.

Post Halifax Forum Updates

The third Annual Vendor Outreach Forum in Halifax was an unqualified success. Materials from the Forum will be released soon, but in the meantime, please check out these on-site interviews with vendors who participated for their on-the-spot impressions regarding the Forum:

• Eric Moore, Manager, LightSquared as he talks about the benefits of participation – video link
• Jim Peter Safar, President & CEO, Inter-Op Canada & Innovation Leader as he talks about interoperability and the challenges for the tri-services, multimedia sharing platforms and the benefits of participation –video link

Click on the "Past Meeting" tab on the member portion of the site to download documents. The next Forum will be in Vancouver in November 2011 –more details on this soon.

Seventh CRHNet Symposium

The Seventh Canadian Risk and Hazards Network (CRHNet) Symposium — "Connecting with Canadians" occurs from October 27 to 29, 2010 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Clickhere for details.

Get your copy of Emergency Communications Forum

Formerly the Emergency Communications Quarterly, theEmergency Communications Forum (ECF) is the latest evolution of Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications (OEC)’s stakeholder outreach efforts.  The ECF engages and informs emergency responders; policy makers; and Federal, State, local, and tribal officials about issues and events that directly affect everyday nationwide emergency communications.  Download it here.

2010 National Security Forum

Consider attending 2010 National Security Forum on October 12, 2010 at the Westin in Ottawa. Presented by the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), with the collaboration and support of Public Safety Canada, the forum will foster a dialogue between and amongst some of Canada’s top stakeholders in the public safety and security community. (See flyer.)

Learn of the challenges and solutions on a host of public safety topics from subject matter experts, and network with senior government officials and industry executives in a unique environment. Forum topics include:

• Border Security
• Arctic Sovereignty
• Disaster Management
• Information Sharing

To register, visit www.defenceandsecurity.ca or call 866-786-4661 (613-235-5337 in the Ottawa Area).

Eastern Ontario-Western Quebec Regional Interoperability Meeting NOW on November 23

Faced with a series of key scheduling conflicts, the County of Renfrew and CITIG have rescheduled the Eastern Ontario-Western Quebec Regional Interoperability Meeting to November 23, 2010. We apologize for any inconvenience. Click on the following links for Event information and Registration.

Download the Fall Issue of HazNet

The HazNet Newsletter is produced by CRHNet, a not-for-profit organization that was established in 2003 in response to a growing demand to promote and strengthen disaster risk reduction and emergency management in Canada. Page 14 features information on the CITIG National Workshop in December. Get your copy HazNet here.

Volunteers Need Interoperability Too

On September 11, 2010, The Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA) held its annual conference in Ottawa. In addition to feraturing CITIG’s work and a greater commitment to advancing interoperability (seePresident’s Report), Harold A. Conrad was regognized for his 40-plus years of volunteer service. Congratulations Harold. Visit the CVFSA Web sitefor more details.

A Must Read -- Report on Black Saturday

The bushfires around Victoria, Australia on 7 February 2009 (known as Black Saturday) caused the death of 173 people. A number of factors drove up the death and injury toll including the lack of interoperability between agencies. The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission conducted an extensive investigation into the causes of, the preparation for, the response to and the impact of the fires that burned throughout Victoria. The final report was released July 31, 2010. Two of the report’s 25 recommendations deal directly with radio communications. Download the report here or visit the Commission’s Web site.

An Historic Week for Interoperability Efforts in Ontario

In an excellent display of cooperation, the Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario (AMEMSO), Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) have appointed representatives to work together on a tri-services interoperability committee — the first of its kind in Ontario. Inspector Joe Maiorano, Durham Regional Police, Fire Chief Mark Diotte, Ajax Fire Department, and Chief Doug Socha of Hasting-Quinte EMS in Hastings County will be jointly leading interoperability efforts on behalf of their respective associations for the good of public safety and first responders in Ontario. CITIG will continue to support this undertaking where possible hopes to provide regular updates moving forward. UPDATE: See the OACP Web sitefor the related news release.

Third Annual First Responder Vendor Outreach Forum - RCMP CTO to Provide Keynote

The third annual First Responder Vendor Outreach Forum takes place on September 28 and 29 in the Atlantic Canada region and is headlined by an opening keynote by Michael Doucet, Chief Technology Officer for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. For the third consecutive year, CATA, CPRC and CITIG are hosting a uniquely formatted and innovative First Responder VOF. Once again, the Forum will provide ICT and advanced security vendors and First Responder/Public Safety and Security (PSS) leaders with an opportunity to engage with one another to shape the direction of industry R&D, address current issues through cooperative action and commence developing a Technology Roadmap for Canadian First Responders. Visit http://www.cata.ca/Media_and_Events/FR_VOF/AltCan/default.html for detailed information.

CRTI Call 9 Now Live!

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) administers a Call for Proposals under the federal government's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI). The Program, administered through DRDC's Centre for Security Science (CSS), is designed to strengthen, through investments in science and technology (S&T), Canada's ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from a CBRNE event. In CRTI Call for Proposals Call 9, there will be up to approximately $18 million available for new projects. Visit this link and search "CRTI" for full details.

Vancouver 2010 Communications Interoperability Unit Takes the 2010 CACP/Motorola Award for Excellence in Emergency Preparedness

During the CACP conference in Edmonton, the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit – Operational Communications Interoperability was awarded the CACP/Motorola Award for Excellence in Emergency Preparedness in the National Category. Specifically, the Award was presented for the groups’ radio communications strategy – a joint, synchronized effort that overcame jurisdictional, geographical, environmental, human resource and financial constraints and initiated and executed an effective communications program. CITIG was the inaugural winner in 2009. Other recipients honoured in 2010 include Le Service de securite incendie – Agglomeration de Longeuil and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Quebec) Inc. in the Regional Category and the City of Richmond – Gold Exercise in the Exercise Category. Congratulations to all!

Interoperability News

Visit this link for the latest on-line issue of NPSTC Quarterly, the newsletter of the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC).  In addition to selected mentions of CITIG activities, recognition and events, you’ll find interesting articles regarding spectrum, COML, regulatory updates and more!

On Scene 2010 Dates and Location Announced

From September 20 to 22, 2010, join first responder colleagues for the third annual multi-agency training event involving Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. On Scene 2010 is for all frontline personnel. This is a chance to expand our understanding and relationships as emergency responders. We work together, let’s train together. The event takes place at RCMP "Depot" Division in Regina, Saskatchewan. Download thepreliminary scheduleof events and visit the On Scene 2010 Web Site for full details. Registration opens soon.

Privacy Security Trust (PST) 2010

The Eight Annual PST Forum takes place in Ottawa starting on August 17. Click here for details.

Maritime Provinces to Get a New Integrated Emergency Communications System

On May 10, 2010, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, the Honourable Bill Estabrooks, Nova Scotia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, the Honourable Ed Doherty, New Brunswick Minister of Supply and Services, and the Honourable Doug Currie, Prince Edward Island Attorney General, announced that the Government of Canada will contribute up to $50 million through PPP Canada to support the implementation of the Maritime Radio Communications Initiative. The Governments of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia will each contribute to construction and operational costs. Clickhere for the full press release.

Fourth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop: A CITIG National Forum

From December 5 to 8, 2010 in Victoria, British Columbia, the Fourth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop will again bring together a broad base of public safety and emergency management practitioners to develop a mutual understanding of the key voice and data - interoperability issues facing today’s public safety sector. With a focus on information exchange, topic-specific discussion and interactive break-outs, the fourth national workshop aims to support and promote the transfer of best practices and experience, and the development of a more unified approach to public safety interoperability across the country, between nations and internationally. Click here for more detailed event information and visit www.cacp.ca to register on line.

Industry Canada Releases Two Documents Related to the 700 MHz Public-Safety Radio System Plan

• Technical Requirements for Land Mobile Radio Services Operating in the Bands 768-776 MHz and798-806 MHz
• Land Mobile and Fixed Radio Transmitters and Receivers Operating in the Frequency Range27.41- 960 MHz

The Second Canada/U.S. Communications Interoperability Workshop Announced

The Second Canada/U.S. Communications Interoperability Workshop will be held in Windsor, Ontario from September 13 to 15, 2010. This invitation-only event will bring together a broad base of users and officials from all levels of government from both nations with an interest in cross border communications along the U.S.-Canada border. More information about this event will be posted as it becomes available.

Webinar: Doing Business with Canadian First Responders

On June 23, 2010 from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon, a special webinar will presented to provide practical advice and contacts for U.S. companies looking to do business in the police, fire, security and emergency services sector within Canada. Click here for more information.

Workshop on 21st Century Emergency Alerting

The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Continuity Programs (NCP) will hold a workshop on 21st Century Emergency Alerting: Leveraging Multiple Technologies to Bring Alerts and Warnings to the Public on Thursday, June 10, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more details and Webcast information, click here.

Third Annual Vendor Outreach Forum Announced

The dates are set for September 28 and 29, 2010 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Click here for more information.

Nominations for 2010 Motorola Award Now Open!

The CACP/Motorola Award for Excellence in Emergency Preparedness has been established to recognize a standard of excellence that exemplifies the combined efforts of police, fire, and emergency medical services in preparing their agencies for any subsequent response to natural or man made disasters leading toward the contribution and dedication to the quality of life in our communities. Visit theCACP Web site for more details.

Western Border Interoperability Working Group Meeting Dates Set

This year’s Western Border Interoperability Working Group meeting, which will take place in Regina, Saskatchewan, will occur from May 11 through 13. Click herefor details.

Larry Strickling to provide keynote address at Spectrum 20/20

Lawrence E. Strickling, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Head will provide the keynote address at this year’s Spectrum 20/20 on April 21, 2010 in Ottawa. Spectrum 20/20 is free of charge for employees of member organizations. However, space is limited and is going fast. Visithttp://www.spectrum2020.ca for details.

FCC to Hold Workshop on Critical Infrastructure and Information Collection

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (Bureau) will hold a workshop on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. to discuss communications infrastructure and information collection. Audio/Video coverage of the meeting will be broadcast live with open captioning over the Internet from the FCC's web page at www.fcc.gov/live. The FCC’s web cast is free to the public and does not require pre-registration.

April 12, 2010 -- Canadian First Responder Technology Roadmap Launch

FCC Releases National Broadband Plan

On March 16, the FCC presented the National Broadband Plan to the U.S. Congress. This Plan will be extremely important for public safety in the U.S. as it will help in the shaping of technological changes affecting government, business, NGOs, and all citizens. It may be of interest to Canadian practitioners. View the Executive Summary or go to www.broadband.gov for the full document.

FCC Announces New Date for Emergency Response Interoperability Forum

In the U.S., a public forum to discuss the creation of an emergency response interoperability center (named ERIC) for public safety broadband communications is scheduled for for Tuesday, March 2, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. See this document for details. The meeting will be streamed live at http://reboot.fcc.gov/live/.

Guelph Public Safety Interoperability Regional Meeting

On February 23, 2010, the Guelph Police Service, County of Wellington Emergency Management, City of Guelph Emergency Services Guelph and the Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG) hosted the Guelph CITIG Forum and Planning Meeting. By all accounts, the event was very successful with stakeholders committing to improved cooperation to advance regional communications interoperability issues. Meeting information and select presentations made during the sessions are available on the member portion of this site.

EMS Chiefs of Canada representative named to P25 Interest Group

OTTAWA, Jan. 18 - Bruce Farr, president of the EMS Chiefs of Canada, today announced that the EMS Chiefs of Canada in cooperation with the Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG) have named a representative to join the Project 25 Interest Group (P25IG), a U.S.-based entity that comprises public safety professionals and equipment manufacturers interested in the further development of, and education on, the P25 standards.

"Communications interoperability for first responders is a definite challenge for responders across North America and having a Canadian representative invited to participate in the P25 Interest Group is a way to keep track of emerging trends," Chief Farr stated. "Project 25 promises to revolutionize public safety communications by allowing effective, efficient and reliable intra-agency and inter-agency communications. I am confident that our participation in this initiative will be beneficial to EMS services and responders across Canada."

Paramedic Mark Toman will begin his duties with the P25IG in early 2010. Mark has worked in the field of public safety since 1988 and his current role includes working with the EMS IT and Engineering support personnel and other stakeholders to ensure that Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) operational communications needs are met. He also works closely with Toronto Police and Toronto Fire Communications while serving on the Tri-service 911 committee. Mark is the working group representative for the EMS Chiefs of Canada to CITIG and is one of the First Responder participants involved in shaping the Canadian Communications Interoperability Plan (CCIP). He currently sits on committees for several interoperability and radio projects.

P25 is a user-driven effort to develop a suite of standards for digital land-mobile radio (LMR) systems produced through the joint efforts of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO), the National Association of State Telecommunications Directors (NASTD), selected Federal Agencies and the National Communications System (NCS), and standardized under the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). P25 was created in 1989 in order to enable public safety agencies to communicate with each other, regardless of their LMR system manufacturers, and is the only open voluntary consensus standards development group focused on emergency responder digital LMR communications.