Dear members of the Science, Technology, Interoperability, RPAS & Human Factors Committee,

 

Please find attached a report from Public Safety Canada on the PBSN consultation.

 

Thank you,

 

Zoe Boicescu

My review of the Public Safety Canada (PSC) report on “what was heard” from the consultation last year. Their report is attached in the previous post.

Highlights:

Forms of the PSBN Authority
• Many indicated they favoured a NFP organization without legislative constraints, emphasizing the autonomy and latitude with which the organization could operate and the speed with which it could be established.
• Conversely, others argued that only a Crown Corporation, or NFP with similar oversight requirements, would ensure the necessary government oversight, authority and accountability for such a critical communications capability, especially during emergencies.
• Regardless of the chosen model, there was a common view that the governance structure should be established promptly and include all stakeholders to balance the interests in both the nationwide PSBN and the unique regional needs of public safety users.

Priorities for Realizing a Nationwide PSBN
• Establishing a robust national governance framework is a critical next step to advancing the PSBN.

Strategic Partnerships
• The role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) emerged as a cornerstone of the PSBN’s governance.

Way Forward
• The key next step to realizing a nationwide PSBN in Canada is to put in place a governance framework that will designate a PSBN Authority responsible for overseeing and leading the development of the network.
• With a robust governance framework in place, stakeholders will have the certainty they need to plan for their involvement in supporting the realization of the PSBN in Canada.

Note, there is a small possibility the current Public Safety Minister, as part of the overall Canadian Border Security plan, will announce the authorization of PSC to immediately move forward with establishing the framework for the governance entity in partnership with stakeholders, including public safety association representatives.