The Federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness feel cyber-security is one of the most important issues facing public and private officials in Canada and the United States.

Ralph Goodale told delegates at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Summit in Saskatoon one cyber-attack could be devastating to the entire continent.

The Minister says North America has integrated systems for energy, banking, transportation and telecommunications.

Goodale stresses Canadian and American governments are coordinating defense mechanisms, critical response teams and criminal investigation units in addition to the technology needed to work seamlessly in order to ward off cyber threats.

He points out coordinating efforts with the private sector is just as important to maintain a strong and resilient defense.

Goodale spoke about Canadian and American collaboration to make the movement of people as well as goods and cargo across both borders as easy as possible while maintaining security.

Goodale also expressed confidence in ratifying the new trade agreement with the U-S and Mexico before the Canadian parliament is dissolved for the election campaign.

He believes there is enough support among all parties to pass the bill easily without the Liberals having to use its majority in the house to guarantee passage.

(CJWW)