Y2K in Alberta

[Bob Olsen <bobolsen@tao.ca>]

Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1998 05:08:22 -0700
From: Sandra Taylor-Owen <sandrato@telusplanet.net>
To: Bob Olsen <bobolsen@tao.ca>
Subject: Alberta Govt report re: Y2K

Alberta Government has some reports, news releases, etc. on Y2K.

However, most of it seems to be just dribble designed to assure
everyone that the Government is doing a wonderful job at everything.

And, at the grassroots level, Albertans seem to be quite complacent
about this as well.  This may indeed reflect our rural connections.
If worst comes to worst, many people can hunt for meat, grow their own
food or fairly easily buy it from a local farmer, etc.  And, if worst
comes to worst, a lot of Albertans can get out their guns!
Individualism is a strong force in Alberta!  Actually this is may be
rather scarey if I thought about it too much  ;-/


Below is an example of an Alberta Government news release (appears to
be reassuring dribble).

Sandrato

==========>>>
from:

http://www.gov.ab.ca/acn/199810/6855.html

This report new release says:

Government of Alberta News Release 

For Immediate Release October 9, 1998 

Alberta Continues to Prepare for the Potential Emergency Preparedness
Consequences of Y2K 

Edmonton...The Alberta government continues to move aggressively to
address the potential emergency preparedness consequences of the Year
2000 (Y2K) problem. 

"I fully support the Auditor General's recommendations about the need
to address the potential public safety consequences of the Year 2000
problem. Indeed, activities are well under way in my department,
together with Public Works, Supply and Services and the Office of the
chief Information Officer," said Walter Paszkowski, Minister,
Transporation and Utilities (AT&U).

"Our departments are working collaboratively to address the Year 2000
problem from a government-wide and industry perspective," said Stan
Woloshyn, Minister, Public Works, Supply and Services. 

At an October 6, 1998 meeting in Edmonton, organized and chaired by
the Alberta government's Chief Information Officer, and AT&U Disaster
Services, over 60 senior representatives from key public and private
sector organizations committed to an open exchange of information
about the potential impacts of Y2K on essential services. A working
group, being established by AT&U Disaster Services, will analyse
potential emergency consequences, based on input from these sectors,
and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to address those
consequences.

"The meeting was an important step toward identifying the Y2K
compliance status of essential services, such as electricity, gas,
water, telecommunications and emergency services and ensuring that
existing municipal and provincial disaster plans, which are already in
place, address the potential consequences of the Year 2000 problem,"
said Paszkowski. 

AT&U Disaster Services is developing a provincial government Y2K
consequence management plan. In addition, its Y2K and Emergency
Preparedness -- Municipal Planning Guide helps municipalities
determine the compliance of their systems, services and facilities and
prepare consequence management plans. This guide is available on the
AT&U web site at  http://www.tu.gov.ab.ca/dis003.htm

The Auditor General's Report recognized AT&U Disaster Services'
proactive approach in educating stakeholders on the potential impact
of the Y2K problem. The branch has given Y2K presentations to over 100
municipalities, regional health authorities, industry and other
interest groups since last April. Y2K contingency planning discussions
between the Chief Information Officer and AT&U Disaster Services began
in December 1997, and provincial and federal government emergency
preparedness coordination was under way by February 1998.

AT&U Disaster Services assists in the development of emergency plans
by municipalities, government departments and industry and coordinates
the government response to disasters and emergencies. In keeping with
this mandate, AT&U Disaster Services will focus on possible emergency
consequences of Y2K. The Office of the Chief Information Officer is
responsible for developing an internal government plan to ensure that
government systems are Year 2000 compliant.

-30- 

For more information, please contact: 

Ron Wolsey - Executive Director - Disaster Services, Alberta
Transportation and Utilities - (403) 422-9000 

George Samoil - Chief Information Officer, Government of Alberta -
(403) 422-8545 

Dial 310-0000 for toll free connection outside Edmonton.
........................................................


http://www.gov.ab.ca/env/info/infocentre/y2k.html

Frequently asked questions regarding the Year 2000 Problem

5.Where can I find more information? 

There are many web sites that will supply information on products and
how to resolve Year 2000 problems. Listed below are a few good sites:

    Task Force Year 2000 Challenge - 
         http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mangb/y2k/burst.html

    Alberta Government Public Works, Supply and Services:
          http://www.gov.ab.ca/y2kxgov/index.html

    CIO Year 2000 page - 
          http://www.gov.ab.ca/cio/inet_yr2000.html

    The Mitre Organization Year 2000 Homepage - 
          http://www.mitre.org/technology/y2k/

    CIBC Year 2000 page - 
          http://www.cibc.com/discover/y2k/home/home.html

    The Federal Government Year 2000 site - 
           http://www.info2000.gc.ca/

........................................................


Let me know if you know of similar websites and officials in other
Canadian municipalities and provinces.

Thanks....!!!!


   .............................................
   Bob Olsen, Toronto            bobolsen@tao.ca
   .............................................