Canadian federal officials will participate in a large scale security exercise known as National Level Exercise 09 (NLE 09), led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Canadian officials will work with their international counterparts in an exercise responding to a simulated terrorist attack.

"NLE 09 offers a valuable opportunity to confirm intelligence and information sharing protocols with our partners and strengthen our response to potential threats," said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety. "Participation in this exercise is an example of our government's on-going commitment to the security and safety of Canadians, and making our communities safer. We are pleased to work with our allies on this important exercise."

This exercise will involve senior officials of the United States government, as well as participants from Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and, for the first time, Mexico. The objective for this exercise differs from previous exercises that practised disaster response and recovery. For NLE 09, the objective is to demonstrate the capability to prevent a terrorist attack from occurring through effective information-sharing and coordination.

Canada has participated in the U.S. National Level Exercises since 2003. It is one of the many preparedness activities that Public Safety Canada organizes across the country on an ongoing basis. Participating in exercises such as this one, and applying the observations and lessons learned, enhances Canada's ability to prevent, manage or mitigate emergencies of all kinds.