OTTAWA, May 28, 2019 — The Information and Communications Technology Council is pleased to announce the release of its report: Developing Cyber Talent for Canadian Critical Infrastructure – Road Transportation. Funded by Transport Canada, this report examines the demand for cybersecurity talent for Canadian road authorities. The study analyzes critical skillsets while highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing challenges related to talent acquisition and skill development within the road transportation sector.
“Connected and automated vehicles have great potential to enhance the accessibility, safety and environmental performance of Canada’s transportation system. To be prepared for these innovations, Canada needs highly qualified professionals to help ensure the cybersecurity of our transportation systems. The Information and Communications Technology Council’s report, which was funded by Transport Canada’s Program to Advance Connectivity and Automation, is an important contribution to this effort.”
— The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport
Canada has an extensive road network, covering a little over one million kilometres. Road transportation has played a critical role in supporting our country’s pathway to mobility and connectivity. At the same time, road transportation was and remains essential in facilitating trade activity and economic prosperity. With one of the busiest road border crossings in the world, Ontario was responsible for more than half of all Canadian exports to the U.S. in 2016.
Moreover, with road infrastructure being a cornerstone piece of Critical Infrastructure (CI), it is clear that building a robust and resilient transportation system is a central imperative for tomorrow’s economy.
Conducting in-depth research and consultations with key leaders in the space, ICTC’s report uncovers and addresses the challenge of talent and skill gaps in Canada’s road transportation sector, where cybersecurity awareness and integration should be raised and improved. The study dives into potential risks, transportation-specific cybersecurity training needs, and best practices from around the world that can be applicable to Canada.
“Transportation infrastructure is the backbone of the Canadian economy and a pivotal enabler of tomorrow’s smart cities. Building the necessary inroads for developing an optimum cyber talent is critical in an era of increased road automation and hyper-connectivity.”
— Namir Anani, ICTC President & CEO
To learn more about this research, and gain a detailed analysis of the findings and recommendations, please access our full report, here.
For questions or media inquiries, please contact Stephanie Wilson, Senior Director, Digital Transformation & Strategic Outreach at s.wilson@ictc-ctic.ca.
About ICTC
ICTC is a national centre of expertise for the digital economy. With over 25 years of experience in research and program development related to technology, ICTC has the vision of strengthening Canada’ s digital advantage in the global economy. Through forward-looking research, evidence-based policy advice, and creative capacity building programs, ICTC fosters innovative and globally competitive Canadian industries, empowered by a talented and diverse workforce.
