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APPENDIX A

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE SIXTH REPORT (INTERIM) OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY: THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM - WHERE IS CANADA NOW?

Introduction

There can be no doubt that the Year 2000 problem is one of the most significant challenges that Canada and the rest of the world must face. The government commends the Standing Committee for its initiative in inquiring into the Year 2000 problem.

The government shares the objectives of the recommendations in the Standing Committee's Sixth (Interim) Report entitled,The Year 2000 Problem - Where is Canada Now? The government will continue with the Year 2000 preparations that it has initiated over the last few years, and looks forward to the Standing Committee's ongoing work as a source of information and guidance.

The government's response addresses each of the Standing Committee's recommendations in turn. The response provides a status report on initiatives taken to date and progress achieved. It reflects contributions from all departments and agencies, coordinated by Industry Canada's Task Force Year 2000 Secretariat and the Treasury Board Secretariat's Year 2000 Project Office.

In the 150 days or so since the tabling of the Standing Committee's report last May, there have been some significant developments that should be mentioned in the context of the present Government Response.

The private sector Task Force Year 2000 established by the Minister of Industry in September 1997, issued its second report, entitled, A Call for Action: the Eleventh Hour, on 6 July 1998. The second Statistics Canada survey conducted in support of the work of the Task Force, found a marked increase in business awareness and action related to the Year 2000 problem, but also that much still had to be done. Although the Task Force Year 2000 has completed its mandate, a third Statistics Canada survey will be undertaken early in 1999 to assess progress in Year 2000 preparedness and identify priority areas for action.

On 11 June 1998, the Minister of Finance announced a tax relief package, corresponding to Recommendation 7 of the Standing Committee's report to help small and medium-sized businesses replace equipment that is not Year 2000 compliant.

Federal departments and agencies have been intensifying efforts to raise general awareness of the Year 2000 problem by disseminating Year 2000 information directly to Canadian-based businesses at home and abroad through departmental and agency Internet sites, toll-free telephone lines, videos, public service announcements and other means.

Together with initiatives taken by the federal government several years ago, the intensified federal efforts since the tabling of the Standing Committee's report reflect the government's strong commitment to tackle the Year 2000 problem in collaboration with all sectors and jurisdictions. But much more still needs to be done.

Recognizing the need for intensified preparations, the Prime Minister has assigned to an expanded Treasury Board responsibility for coordinating the federal government's Year 2000 activities on behalf of the Cabinet.

The Prime Minister has written to all Ministers to emphasize the importance of Year 2000 work and has also charged four lead Ministers with special Year 2000 responsibilities. The President of the Treasury Board has general responsibilities to coordinate the federal government's Year 2000 activities and specific responsibility to oversee the Year 2000 preparedness of federal departments and other organizations. The Minister of Industry, in collaboration with his colleagues and businesses, is responsible for ensuring that reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the private sector can meet the challenges of the Year 2000. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for working with Canada's international partners to address Year 2000 problems that could adversely affect this country and to provide assistance internationally. The Minister of National Defence is responsible for contingency planning and emergency preparedness.

The government strongly supports the theme of both the Standing Committee's report and the Task Force Year 2000 reports that the Year 2000 problem is everybody's problem; it is not a problem just for businesses or governments. All sectors of Canadian society and all governments will be affected, and the same will be true around the world. All sectors of society and all governments will need to contribute to Year 2000 preparedness and solutions.

Canadians can take some encouragement from the fact that their efforts to date and those of businesses and governments have placed Canada in the leading ranks of countries in terms of Year 2000 preparedness. A vast amount of work still needs to be done, however, in the short period - barely fourteen months - between now and 2000.

The government is committed to maintaining a leadership role in continuing to help Canadians respond effectively to the challenges ahead. The government is intensifying its efforts - as planned - to accelerate its own internal preparations and to mobilize its national and international partners to take all necessary action within the ambit of their responsibilities to ensure that they are ready for the Year 2000.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE SIXTH REPORT (INTERIM) OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY: THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM - WHERE IS CANADA NOW?

Recommendation 1

That all businesses test their computer hardware, software and electronic devices for Year 2000.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation, recognizing that it is addressed to businesses.

The government has encouraged businesses to put in place formal action plans, including testing of all systems and applications, and will take all reasonable efforts to ensure that this is done. Task Force Year 2000 material, which strongly encourages testing, has been widely distributed to business clients in massive mail-outs, at information sessions, seminars, conferences or through associations or other organizations. Task Force Year 2000 material has also been distributed directly to government departments and agencies for their guidance and distribution to their business clients and stakeholders.

Government initiatives to assist businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses, encourage them to accelerate testing and sharing results. Data and information on Internet sites have been developed to facilitate sharing information and test results. For example, the Department of Agriculture and Agri-food, Environment Canada, Industry Canada, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Health Canada and the Treasury Board Secretariat Year 2000 Project Office Internet sites contain this kind of Year 2000 information (see appendix).

Similarly, the government has been testing its own systems and encouraging departments and agencies to check interdependencies with all suppliers, stakeholders and clients. Treasury Board Secretariat has put a stepped-up work plan in place across government with the full support of Treasury Board Ministers and departments. The work plan calls for departments to begin full implementation testing in early 1999. Some departments have already begun testing some systems.

Recommendation 2

That legislative amendments be introduced to add the explicit responsibility of ensuring Year 2000 compliance to the list of directors' duties for federally incorporated businesses.

Response:

The government supports the objective of the Standing Committee's recommendation that directors of federally incorporated businesses recognize Year 2000 compliance as an explicit responsibility.

However, present corporate governance statutes give directors responsibility to manage the business and affairs of the corporations they oversee, with a view to the best interests of the corporation and with the care, diligence and skill of a reasonably prudent person in comparable circumstances. The Department of Justice has advised that this duty requires directors to take into account such major issues as Year 2000 problems.

These responsibilities have been further highlighted by the Canadian Bar Association in "Countdown to 2000 the Legal Issues," the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants' guidelines for financial statement disclosures relating to the Year 2000 issue and the Canadian Securities Administrators' guidance on Year 2000 disclosure in annual reports.

The government will build on the excellent work of the Task Force Year 2000 and continue to collaborate with the private sector to remind directors of all businesses of their responsibilities to ensure Year 2000 readiness.

Recommendation 3

That all businesses insist that all firms within their supply chains can demonstrate Year 2000 readiness with actual test data.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation, recognizing that it is addressed to businesses. The government also notes that the Committee's recommendation is consistent with similar recommendations of the Task Force Year 2000. Government's communications activities with businesses have emphasized this together with the importance of business partners readiness and the vulnerability of the supply chain.

The government recognizes that it has a corresponding responsibility to determine whether its suppliers can demonstrate Year 2000 readiness with actual test data, and that government action on this front complements and reinforces action by businesses.

In line with the Standing Committee's recommendation, departments and agencies are taking action. For example, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has set up a Vendor Compliance Registry with an Internet site that lists the Year 2000 compliance status of over 5000 commonly used software and hardware products within government. Additionally, PWGSC has written to government suppliers of other products, requesting that they provide information on their Year 2000 compliance status.

Recommendation 4

That all businesses welcome questions about their Year 2000 readiness from firms in their supply chain and willingly provide actual test data to them.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation and recognizes that, in some cases, firms may legitimately request that Year 2000 compliance information be provided in confidence. The government will continue to explore ways to implement the objectives of this recommendation.

The Task Force Year 2000 also recognized the issue of legal liability raised by the Standing Committee's recommendation and enlisted the help of the Canadian Bar Association to assess the legal issues posed by the Year 2000 problem and to bring them to the attention of Canadian business.

Recommendation 5

That consumers and businesses insist on Year 2000 compliance guarantees in writing for all new consumer electronics products and computer software and hardware.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation, recognizing that they are addressed to consumers and businesses.

The government is cooperating with consumer organizations to supply consumers with the information they need to make informed choices in the market and to exercise their rights.

Recommendation 6

That legislative amendments be introduced to eliminate legal liability for firms who, as good Samaritans, make Year 2000 solutions available free of charge.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation.

Making Year 2000 solutions available free of charge is a desirable goal. Matters that deal with civil liability generally fall within the jurisdiction of the legislatures of the various provinces and territories. The government is bringing the Standing Committee's recommendation to the attention of provincial and territorial governments. The government will also continue to explore the extent to which Parliament could complement provincial and territorial legislation on this matter. In addition, the government is exploring other options to implement the objectives of this recommendation in relation to federally regulated industries.

Recommendation 7

That a separate class of capital cost allowance be established to provide for a 100% write-off in the period of acquisition of new computer hardware to replace existing hardware which is not Year 2000 ready. This provision should be directed solely at small- and medium-sized business, both incorporated and unincorporated. This provision would only be available for acquisitions made on or before June 30, 1999. Businesses that have already invested to correct the problem should also be eligible.

Response:

The government has implemented the Standing Committee's recommendation.

On 11 June 1998, the Minister of Finance announced tax relief for small- and medium-sized businesses to address the Year 2000 computer compliance problem. Specifically, accelerated capital cost allowance (CCA) deductions of up to $50,000 will be provided to small- and medium-sized enterprises on the cost of computer hardware and software acquired between 1 January 1998 and 30 June 1999, in order to replace equipment that is not Year 2000 compliant. These accelerated CCA deductions, combined with the regular CCA claims, will result in smaller firms being able to deduct 100% of the cost of eligible expenditures in the year of acquisition.

Recommendation 8

That elected officials in the provinces, territories and municipalities work in concert to ensure that all Year 2000 compliance information, solutions and best practices related to policing, fire protection, water and sewage services are shared.

Response:

The government applauds the Standing Committee for the concern that it has shown for all Canadians through this recommendation. The government also agrees that concerted work by elected officials in the provinces, territories and municipalities would be an important foundation for ensuring the sharing of information, solutions and best practices with respect to the continuity of these essential public services.

In the spirit of the Standing Committee's recommendation, the government is working with its provincial and territorial partners to discuss interdependencies, share best practices and maintain an ongoing dialogue on the Year 2000 problem. Federal departments and agencies are working with their provincial partners to ensure that delivery of key services to Canadians is not disrupted at the turn of the century.

Recommendation 9

That the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Energy work in concert to ensure that all Year 2000 compliance information, solutions and best practices are shared quickly and widely within the electricity, oil and gas sectors.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation.

At the 13 July 1998 Council of Energy Ministers' meeting, federal and provincial energy Ministers agreed to cooperate and share information with regard to monitoring Year 2000 compliance for the energy supply infrastructure.

National Resources Canada is also facilitating the reporting of assessments by the energy industry on its readiness for the Year 2000. The Canadian Electrical Association (CEA) has agreed to report on the action plans and risk assessments of the Canadian electric utility industry. Similar types of arrangements are being developed by the National Energy Board with the natural gas and oil industry associations.

Given that the Canadian energy industry infrastructure is closely linked with the U.S., the U.S. Department of Energy agreed to cooperate with NRCan regarding the exchange of information on cross-border Year 2000 issues. The CEA is also working with the North American Electric Reliability Council on Year 2000 issues.

Recommendation 10

That Health Canada publish the names of manufacturers and importers of medical devices who do not furnish necessary Year 2000 compliance information in a timely fashion, and start regulatory or legal action against them.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation.

Health Canada's Therapeutic Products Programme has formally requested all manufacturers and importers of medical devices to respond to requests for information on Year 2000 compliance. The option of publishing names of manufacturers and importers who do not supply Year 2000 compliance information and/or the option of revoking a manufacturer's authority to sell a medical device may be used if a company fails to respond to follow-up requests.

Health Canada has established an Internet site to provide Year 2000 compliance information to the users of medical devices and updates it regularly as new information is received from manufacturers and importers of such devices. This site is linked to the SOS2000 and info2000 Internet sites. Health Canada's Therapeutic Products Programme has developed a Medical Devices Database that is available to hospital associations, to the provincial coordinating body for Year 2000 issues, and to any other organizations requesting the information.

Recommendation 11

That the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health work in concert to ensure that all Year 2000 compliance information, solutions and best practices are shared.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation.

Year 2000 solutions and best practices should be shared between federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health. As a result of federal-provincial-territorial cooperation, the Canadian Year 2000 National Clearinghouse (CYNCH) is being established to increase sharing of information among federal, provincial and territorial governments and First Nations governments/institutions on methodologies and the status of Year 2000 compliance initiatives.

Recommendation 12

That the major health care professional groups, such as the Canadian Medical Association and the appropriate provincial associations alert their members and produce guidelines and checklists to ensure that all health equipment is tested.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation, recognizing that it is addressed to health care professional groups and provincial associations in the health care field.

In the spirit of the Standing Committee's recommendation, Health Canada has written to hospitals and nursing homes (as users of medical devices), highlighting the importance of ensuring that all health equipment is tested. Health Canada's Therapeutic Products Programme Internet site has been designed to provide information to health care professionals, associations and the public on Year 2000 issues associated with medical devices and to facilitate discussion of experience and solutions.

Recommendation 13

That the CRTC and Industry Canada take a stronger role in the telecommunications sector to audit the tests of Year 2000 compliance being performed by the service suppliers.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation and both Industry Canada and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) are working closely with the telecommunications industry to ensure that it is Year 2000 compliant.

In order to ensure that the telecommunications industry members have Year 2000 compliance plans in place and are acting on them, the CRTC has written to the over 100 telecommunications service providers that it regulates pursuant to the Telecommunications Act seeking each company's plan and the status of its implementation. Virtually all of the service providers have responded and a preliminary review indicates that practically all of the companies have a Year 2000 compliance action plan in place, which is being implemented.

Industry Canada has made a similar request to over 1,000 public safety (police, ambulance, marine radio, etc.) and radio common carrier licensees and to 900 holders of Broadcast Certificates, all under the Radiocommunication Act. The results of these measures are still being collected and assessed and an appropriate course of action will be determined accordingly. Industry Canada has also written to 93,000 other private licensees under the Radiocommunication Act informing them of the problem and encouraging them to take remedial action.

The CRTC and Industry Canada are also in regular contact with the chairs of several telecommunications industry fora that have been created to bring together all operators, including small independent companies, to deal with the Year 2000 issue. The goals of these fora are to ensure awareness of the problem, exchange information, plan for the testing to ensure the corrective measures taken by the individual company are compatible when telecommunications traffic is exchanged between carriers, and to develop remedial actions. Internationally, Industry Canada is represented on the International Telecommunications Union Year 2000 Forum which was formed to promote awareness of the Year 2000 problem, to advise on compliance standards and to encourage members' timely compliance.

The government is very encouraged that the telecommunications industry fully appreciates the gravity of the problem, is taking it very seriously and is doing its utmost to become Year 2000 compliant. The telecommunications industry members understand that their operations are mission critical to other industries and most of the major players have already completed an independent audit of their Year 2000 preparedness, will do so in the near future or have completed internal audits led by outside personnel. In addition, Canadian carriers have created an Industry Forum to develop an industry contingency plan to minimize the impact of a potential network problem and/or failure attributed to Year 2000.

Recommendation 14

That the Coast Guard of Canada expedite its Year 2000 program to ensure that full testing is completed before mid-1999.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of Standing Committee's recommendation.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has established an aggressive schedule for completion of Government-Wide Mission-Critical (GWMC) functions.

CCG has invested and will continue to invest considerable resources in the development of detailed contingency plans to ensure performance of GWMC functions in the event of failures outside its area of responsibility.

Recommendation 15

That the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, of International Trade and of Transport discuss Year 2000 preparedness with Canada's trading partners to ensure that international trade is not disrupted.

Response:

The government shares the objective of the Standing Committee's recommendation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs has been charged with the responsibility of coordinating the international aspects of Canada's Year 2000 readiness.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and other departments, including Transport Canada, have developed a plan to assess the risks of disruption to international trade. They are also taking appropriate measures to minimize risks of trade disruption wherever possible and develop contingency plans to deal with risks that cannot be reduced to an acceptable degree.

In the first instance, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will identify systems within our major trading partners whose failure could disrupt trade and the Year 2000 compliancy status of those systems. In cases where the risk of failure is significant, negotiations will be initiated with the countries concerned in an attempt to agree on mechanisms to keep trade flowing despite system failures. Where such negotiations do not succeed or where the risks remain high, other departments will become involved with the respective private sectors and other levels of government in contingency planning to find alternative sources of supply and to develop contingency plans to avoid disruptions to trade, including failures in international financial services, telecommunications, and transportation.

In addition, Revenue Canada is conducting regular reviews on Year 2000 readiness with trading partners that import goods and services. In particular, a specific policy has been adopted for current electronic commerce clients who use the department's automated customs systems to import/export goods, to permit a two-year window for a transition of clients to full Year 2000 readiness.

Recommendation 16

That the government review funding mechanisms for departments with embedded chip problems.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation.

Treasury Board Secretariat continues to work with departments to identify funding requirements associated with embedded chip problems. The Department of Finance has made a $400 million loan fund available to departments to ensure that Year 2000 work is not impeded by funding issues.

Recommendation 17

That the government of Canada strengthen the coordination of its responses to the Year 2000 challenge to ensure that private sector readiness is not hampered, and that public and private institutions have access to the federal information they need.

Response:

The government shares the Standing Committee's view that it should support public sector and private sector readiness to respond to the Year 2000 challenge by facilitating access to the relevant federal information. The government notes with appreciation that both the Standing Committee's recommendations and those of the Task Force Year 2000 have helped the government in its role in supporting the public and private sectors by focussing attention on priority challenges and needs.

The government will facilitate access to relevant government information, recognizing that legal considerations may limit access in some circumstances. Treasury Board Secretariat and Industry Canada have set up Internet sites to share best practices and relevant federal government information with Canadian business and members of the public. Departments have taken initiatives to reach out to private and non-governmental partners to make available Year 2000 information. Additionally, Treasury Board Secretariat continues to work closely with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and other Parliamentary Committees to ensure that Year 2000 information and federal government progress is shared with private sector institutions and members of the public.

Recommendation 18

That the Department of National Defence accelerate the completion of its Year 2000 compliance program, and start finding solutions at the same time as preparing emergency preparedness contingency plans.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation.

The Minister of National Defence has been charged with overall coordination of the emergency preparedness planning and related contingency planning for the federal government on the Year 2000 problem. This responsibility includes collaboration with the Treasury Board, Industry Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to analyse risks of problems such as disruptions to essential services, and establish corresponding priorities for action.

As part of the fundamental objective of the Department of National Defence (DND) to function effectively to the year 2000 and beyond, mission-critical systems are being assessed for Year 2000 compliance. Non-compliant systems will either be fixed or appropriate contingency plans developed. Contingency planning to mitigate the potential effects of the Year 2000 problem on essential services has begun within DND. DND is developing operational plans to cover the entire scope of defence missions.

Recommendation 19

That the current Citizenship and Immigration Canada Pilot Project for Software Professionals be extended to at least 2001 and that consular staff abroad must become involved in searching out qualified Year 2000 personnel for Canada.

Response:

The government shares the Standing Committee's objective to ensure that Canada has the qualified personnel needed to address the Year 2000 problem.

Human Resources Development Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Industry Canada, in consultation with industry representatives, are committed to exploring the best ways to ensure an adequate supply of software professionals and other experts to support Canada's efforts to address the Year 2000 problem.

The Pilot Project operated by Human Resources Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada is being evaluated by external consultants whose final report is expected this fall. The results of the evaluation will help to determine how best to facilitate the supply of the Year 2000 experts needed in Canada.

Consular staff abroad will continue to support the private sector recruitment and promotion activities for Year 2000 experts and for other personnel needed in Canada.

Recommendation 20

That elected public officials in Canada accept the challenge to overcome the Millennium Bug and ensure that the services that they are responsible for function unimpeded on January 1, 2000 and that they work in cooperation with the other levels of government.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation and encourages the Standing Committee members to raise the issue within their Parties.

The Prime Minister has directed all Ministers to give a high priority to work on the Year 2000 problem, and Cabinet has directed Treasury Board to monitor progress in all departments, agencies and Crown corporations to ensure Year 2000 readiness is achieved and contingency plans are in place wherever required. In addition, the Prime Minister has designated four Ministers to co-ordinate and lead federal Year 2000 activities. The government will continue to work with other levels of government to achieve the same objectives.

The government will provide speaking materials and background information to all Members of Parliament and Senators to assist them in addressing Year 2000 issues with their constituents.

Recommendation 21

That the Prime Minister of Canada and all senior Ministers emphasize to all Canadians the importance of the Year 2000 problem.

Response:

The Prime Minister has directed each Minister to take the lead for Year 2000 preparedness in his or her area of responsibility as it affects a specific portfolio and Canadians in general. However, in considering the scope of the potential problems and the interconnected nature of the issue, the government will make every effort to inform all Canadians of the issue and encourage them to take the steps necessary to prepare for the Year 2000.

Recommendation 22

That the First Ministers make the Year 2000 problem an issue at First Ministers' Conferences.

Response:

The government recognizes the importance of the issue and will consider presenting the Standing Committee's recommendation at the discussions preparatory to the next First Ministers' Conference. The government notes that the Chair of the Standing Committee took the initiative to write to the lead provincial premier inviting him and his colleagues to consider Year 2000 issues at the annual premiers' conference in August 1998. The Chair of Task Force Year 2000, Mr. Jean Monty, also wrote with a similar recommendation. The government regrets that this issue was not addressed by the provincial premiers.

Recommendation 23

That private sector firms continue to disseminate Year 2000 information to their clients.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation, recognizing that it is addressed to businesses.

For its part, the government will continue to disseminate Year 2000 information directly to Canadian-based businesses at home and abroad through departmental and agency Internet sites, toll-free telephone lines and videos. As well, a number of federal initiatives facilitating private sector Year 2000 readiness have been announced (CAN2K, Year 2000 First Step, tax relief, Business Development Bank loan program). All departments and agencies will continue to support the efforts of private sector firms to disseminate Year 2000 information to their clients.

Recommendation 24

That Members of Parliament continue to make use of their householders, town hall meetings and all other channels to inform their constituents, about the Year 2000 problem.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of the Standing Committee's recommendation.

The government will assist Members of Parliament and Senators, with information and communication materials on the Year 2000 problem.

Members of Parliament and Senators have played an important role in providing information and assistance to Canadians on the Year 2000 problem, and this will continue to be an important way of engaging Canadians on this issue.

Recommendation 25

That the Speaker declare a Year 2000 Test Day for Parliament Hill and constituency offices to thoroughly test all equipment.

Response:

The government supports the excellent work that both the House of Commons and the Senate have been doing in ensuring that Parliament is prepared for the Year 2000 issue. The government suggests that, since the testing of equipment in Parliament is an internal matter for Parliament itself, the Committee pursue this recommendation with the appropriate parliamentary authorities.

The government would be prepared to assist with testing, if requested.

Recommendation 26

That the media provide Canadians with frequent and regular information on the Year 2000 problem.

Response:

The government shares the objectives of this recommendation.

The government has already disseminated Year 2000 information to media, businesses and other audiences. Industry Canada's Task Force Year 2000 Secretariat and the Treasury Board Secretariat's Year 2000 Project Office continue to be the main focal points within the federal government for information on the Year 2000 file to support departments and agencies in fulfilling their responsibilities to provide information to external audiences. They also continue to work with departments and agencies to ensure that the media have the information they need to report authoritatively on the Year 2000 problem. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will support these efforts by contributing information on global Year 2000 readiness. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the Alliance of Canadian Broadcasters have produced a bilingual public service announcement that will air all across Canada in fall of 1998. The government is also participating in a segment of the Discovery Channel program on the Year 2000 issue.

Industry Canada assisted Task Force Year 2000 in launching its communications campaign to prompt business to action, including a national newspaper and trade magazine advertising campaign, the establishment of a toll-free telephone information line and Internet site, and the promotion of access to local service providers through advertisement in yellow-pages directories.

In addition, Industry Canada has undertaken a major awareness campaign, including a joint initiative with Revenue Canada to mail a Year 2000 brochure to over three million Canadian businesses; over 3,000 letters to major clients and associations, bulletins in sector specific publications; and the continuous updating of Industry Canada's SOS2000 Internet site. The department has also partnered with the Canadian Bankers Association to produce a nation-wide series of over 80 Year 2000 information seminars attracting over 5,200 participants thus far. It implemented a number of initiatives addressed to small and medium enterprises, such as Year 2000 First Step, a Student Connections initiative in partnership with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, providing customized assessments to 15,000 enterprises to deal with the Year 2000 challenges; CAN2K, a Community Access Program offering a tool kit consisting of an Executive Guide and Workbook for developing a Year 2000 action plan. Seminars on Year 2000 have been offered as part of info-fairs and conferences for small- and medium-sized enterprises throughout Canada.

APPENDIX TO THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE SIXTH REPORT (INTERIM) OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY: THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM - WHERE IS CANADA NOW?

List of Dedicated Government Year 2000 Internet Sites

The following federal departments and agencies have established Year 2000 Internet sites.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Year 2000

http://aceis.agr.ca/policy/y2k

This site provides an introduction to the Year 2000 problem and answers to questions for agricultural producers.

Environment Canada - Year 2000 Green Lane

http://www1.tor.ec.gc.ca/year2000/english-home.htm

This site provides information on the Year 2000 and how it pertains to Environment Canada's clients, suppliers and its regulatory responsibilities.

Industry Canada Task Force Year 2000

http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sos2000

This site is specifically dedicated to creating awareness and providing assistance to Canadian business and industry.

Public Works and Government Services Canada Vendor Information Service

http://vend2000.gc.ca

This directory of Year 2000 readiness information for more than 5,000 third-party software and hardware products was compiled to assist Government of Canada managers and technical personnel in determining Year 2000 ready versions and available dates of technology products for computing platforms. The readiness information is based solely on supplier responses to inquiries on the Year 2000 compliance of their products.

Health Canada - Medical Devices: Year 2000 Database

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb-dgps/therapeut/htmleng/y2k_db.htm

A database of information that has been provided to Health Canada by medical device manufacturers or users.

Public Service Commission

http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/recruit/itim1e.htm

A dedicated Information Technology/Information Management Recruitment website.

Treasury Board Secretariat - Year 2000 Project Office

http://www.info2000.gc.ca

This site provides an overview of the federal government's progress and action pan, and contains key links to all key Year 2000 sites in Canada and internationally.