Are We Ready? Rethinking Information Sharing for CI in Canada

July 2, 2025

Time to read: 4 minutes

Laura Rovina | July 2025

What is Critical Infrastructure Protection?

Critical Infrastructure (CI) protection is integral to the safety and security of Canadian citizens. The interconnected and interdependent nature of CI sectors means that effective communication and collaborative efforts between infrastructure owners, operators, and government agencies are paramount. This underscores the need for enhanced information sharing and coordination among these various stakeholders, specifically focusing on intelligence sharing capacities and their effectiveness in bolstering CI resilience. Amongst other reports, the Government of Canada’s Intelligence Priorities 2024 Report has highlighted the importance of intelligence, and strategic information sharing with government decision-makers, provincial and municipal authorities, business partners, and the public.[1]

Critical infrastructure in Canada is managed through a shared responsibility between federal, provincial, and municipal governments, along with private-sector owners and operators. As the complexities surrounding CI evolve, the need for robust, intergovernmental, and cross-sector collaboration has become more pressing, with information sharing playing a key role in building resilience and ensuring effective responses to potential threats.[2]The process of sharing intelligence between different levels of government, CI sectors, and operators remains complex and fraught with challenges.

Current communication methods for threat intelligence sharing in the private sector are often restrictive and reactive. For example, when alerts are issued, they are often directed at individual businesses and only occur after a threat has already materialized, reducing their usefulness in preventing attacks. These alerts are not designed to support real-time threat response by the private sector. [3]

Inconsistencies exist amongst information sharing networks across all the CI sectors and within individual subsectors. There is a lack of concentration of responsibilities, information and authority across the sectors and different jurisdictions.[4] This fragmentation impedes the ability of stakeholders to respond effectively to threats in a timely and coordinated manner.

Is a Formalized Threat Intelligence Exchange A Part of the Solution?

The Business Continuity Council (BCC) has called on the Canadian government to establish a formalized threat intelligence exchange, similar to the U.S. Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC).[5] DSAC members benefit from direct engagement with senior leaders from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security providing members with tailored threat intelligence, a space for exchanging best practices, and a platform to solve shared problems.[6] Could Canada benefit from a platform where both public and private sectors collaborate more effectively, enhancing overall CI protection and resilience?

Conclusion

As threats to critical infrastructure grow more sophisticated, it is essential for the Canadian government, alongside private-sector owners and operators, to adapt their information-sharing practices. The question remains: What is needed to enhance the effectiveness of information sharing in Canada’s CI sectors? Is the answer a unified platform, a shared network, or regional information hubs? Perhaps a combination of these approaches will provide the most effective solution. Regardless of the exact model, it is clear that enhanced information sharing is essential for the resilience of Canada’s critical infrastructure and the safety of its citizens.

[1] Privy Council. (2024). Canada’s Intelligence Priorities – September 2024. Government of Canada.

[2] National Sector Forum -Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure 2021-2023.

[3] Hyder, G. (2025). Modernizing to Protect Canada from Economic Security Threats. Business Council of Canada. Modernizing to protect Canadians from economic security threats | Business Council of Canada

[4] Public Safety Canada. (2022). Renewing Canada’s Approach to Critical Infrastructure Resilience: What We Heard Report.

[5]Bronskill, J. (2024). Companies want Canada’s spy agency to share threat intelligence with them. Global News.

[6] Domestic Security Alliance Council. (n.d.). Home. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. DSAC Facts Sheet. dsac-fact-sheet-111523.pdf

The Path Forward

Global instability doesn’t have to divide us—it can unite us around a common purpose. By safeguarding critical infrastructure, Canada can ensure its resilience, protect its economy, and demonstrate leadership on the world stage. Leadership of Canada doesn’t have to come from the Prime Minister – it can start with every citizen, municipality and agency, taking ownership and being involved in helping to protect Canada.

This is not a time to rest. It’s a time to lead, innovate, and collaborate with agency. There are impressive examples where Canadians demonstrate brave leadership, along with dedicated, smart and strategic approaches – especially when the stakes are high. Engagement that fuels unity will be the key moving forward. NC-CIPSeR is dynamic and forging ahead with our partners. We are moving strategically with purpose and agency.

Learn more about our efforts to protect Canada’s critical infrastructure and how you can get involved.