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CONCLUSION

The Committee noted the good progress being made in many areas but stressed it must remain vigilant to ensure that companies, governments and utilities meet their schedules and obligations, and thereby avoid most of the feared consequences of the Year 2000 problem. However, no guarantees can be given. Even if an organization has done everything possible to be Year 2000 compliant, some "glitches" are inevitable. The number, distribution and possible consequences of these unforeseen problems are unknown. Consequently, it is important for each business and government to have contingency planning and that national emergency preparedness be coordinated.

In terms of emergency preparedness, the Committee heard three important points of which all Canadians should be aware. First, every organization needs contingency plans to ensure that it can continue to function. Second, the solutions for the Year 2000 problem are complex and multi-faceted and everyone needs to work on implementing them. Last, Canadians must not be complacent and rely on DND or governments to handle all Year 2000 problems and emergencies.

The Committee heard of the importance of due diligence and of the need for accountability. In the public domain, elected officials must be held accountable, the Prime Minister for the federal government, the premiers for the provinces and territories, and regional chairs and mayors for their jurisdictions. Similarly, CEOs and company directors within the private sector are accountable for ensuring that action is taken to meet the Year 2000 challenge.

A key ingredient in resolving the Year 2000 problem is information, from the public and private sector as well as the media. What is needed, however, is accurate, factual and timely information that is placed in context, rather than hyperbole or "doomsday" forecasts. All the elements of the economy can assist in ensuring that necessary information is made available to stakeholders and to the Canadian public. The problem must be kept in sight until it is solved but without generating undue alarm.

Some Canadian companies will not be prepared for the Year 2000 problems and this could cause business interruptions, legal damages or even business failures. As well, Canadians may experience some minor problems or disruptions to some services. Overall, however, Canada seems to be doing well in preparing to meet the Year 2000 problem and Canadians should be moderately optimistic that life will go on as usual in the year 2000.