Energy Infrastructure Security Division

In 2001, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) established the Energy Infrastructure Security Division (EISD). Its mandate is to undertake measures to strengthen the security and resilience of critical energy infrastructure to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from natural and human induced incidents through intelligence informed research and development. 

The Emergency Management Act (2007) and the National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure (2010) designated NRCan as the lead federal department for critical energy infrastructure security.

NRCan is guided by the three objectives of the National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure:

• Build partnerships to support and enhance critical infrastructure resiliency
• Implement an all-hazards approach to risk management
• Advance the timely sharing and protection of information among partners and stakeholders

NRCan meets its mandate by leveraging a trusting and collaborative relationship with its energy sector partners.

Key activities

Canadian Resources Infrastructure Resilience Nexus

As part of the EISD, the Canadian Resources Infrastructure Resilience Nexus (CRIRN) is an in-house research and development facility at NRCan. It provides hands-on knowledge and skills transfer, technology testing, and real-time simulation exercises. The owners and operators of energy infrastructure can use the CRIRN to identify and address physical and cyber threats to strengthen the resilience of energy infrastructure in Canada.

The CRIRN helps by strengthening the links between technology, security and the energy sector stakeholders. The nexus occupies a unique position at the intersection of the Canadian critical infrastructure, the security and intelligence community, and research institutions. It leverages expertise and trusted relationships to provide the energy sector owners and operators with knowledge and skills to transform information into actions, including the following: