Department of Public Safety

Public Safety Canada is one of the government departments that were formed in 2003 to ensure the safety of Canadians by coordinating all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security. It is to say that the Public Safety of Canada was formed based on the recent terrorist attack in the U.S., 9/11. It was formed to ensure that no other major terrorist attack will occur, by managing a strict national security, border strategies, countering crime, and emergency management issues and other safety and security initiatives, such as the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM). NIEM was designed to facilitate knowledge and information faster and more effective between two or more organizations.

The Mandate:
The commission of the public safety body is ensuring a safe and secure environment and community for all Canadian citizens from natural disasters, crime and terrorism.

The Level of Government:
The public safety of Canada is in association with 5 agencies and three review bodies, and reports to the same minister and deputy minister through a single portfolio. The minister of Public Safety is Steven Blaney who was appointed in July 2013. The deputy minister is Francois Guimont, who was appointed Deputy Minister of Public Safety in November 2012. Both ministers are appointed to oversee the federal government's domestic security department.

The three key functions of Public Safety are:
1. National Security: ensures the safety of Canadian citizens both at home and abroad.
Counter-Terrorism: Protects the communities of Canada from the threat of terrorism. The success of counter-terrorism efforts depends on collaboration with all levels of government, including provincial and territorial governments, law enforcement and civil society.
Connecting with Canadian Communities: Engages Canadian community leaders on matters related to national security. The group provides advice and perspectives to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency preparedness and the Minister of Justice, focusing on emerging developments in national security and their impact on Canada's diverse society.
Critical Infrastructure: Works with partners to strengthen Canada's vital assets and systems such as electrical grids, transportation, communications and public safety systems.
Cyber Security: works with domestic and international partners as part of the global effort to protect critical assets and information and combat cyber crime
2. Border strategies: public safety takes leadership in promoting the safety and economic well- being of Canadians through supporting secure and efficient management of Canada's borders
Beyond the Border: enhances security and accelerate the legitimate flow of people, goods and services, the strategy works beyond the border to strengthen cooperation and pursue shared goals between Canada and the U.S.
Border Law Enforcement: enhances border integrity both at and between land and marine ports of entry. Supports ongoing dialogue between Canada and U.S. On strategic and operational border policy issues, develops and implements innovative cross-border law enforcement practices
Immigration Enforcement: provides federal policy leadership and coordination on a variety of immigration-related border issues to ensure that policies and programs help facilitate the flow of legitimate trade and travel, while ensuring that safety and security objectives are achieved.
Canada United States Cross-border crime forum: bring together senior law enforcement and justice officials from various organizations in Canada and the U.S.
3. Countering Crime: provides federal policy leadership, coordination and program support on many activities related to crime prevention, law