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SECURITY
Enbridge has a long history of developing relevant business security practices to protect its critical infrastructure. Our company has also developed trusted partnerships with federal, provincial, state and local safety, emergency response and law enforcement authorities whose collective goal is to protect North America, its people and its many critical facilities, as well as minimize the disruption to our energy supply system.
We strive for continuous improvement in our understanding and management of security best practices to:
- protect and enhance the Company’s reputation and provide assurance to customers and shareholders;
- protect and educate employees and business partners to provide a safe and secure working environment;
- protect Company assets and information to prevent loss or damage;
- support efficient business practices by anticipation of risk and avoidance of cost;
- comply with legal obligations and regulatory targets; and
- promote business continuity and emergency preparedness.
Our security programs rely on the diligence of our employees to protect the public and Enbridge’s people, assets and reputation.
OUR PERFORMANCE
Corporate Security Steering Committee
We established our Corporate Security Steering Committee in 2004 to provide overall planning, direction, and prioritization of the strategic security requirements of Enbridge. Made up of managers in our various business units and chaired by Bonnie DuPont, Group Vice President, Corporate Resources, the committee communicates on an ongoing basis, and meets at least twice a year to review changing security issues such as regulations, security vulnerabilities, emergency response capabilities and the global threat environment.
All Enbridge business units and the corporate head office have been and continue to be involved in advanced planning in the event of a widespread public health emergency. The Company recently subscribed to the SOS International Pandemic Information Service, which provides the Company with instant access to the most recent news, developments and issues related to avian influenza through the SOS International Avian Flu and Pandemic Preparedness member website. We have an active program including employee awareness communications and training, along with other preventive measures such as the distribution of hand sanitizer and flu shots.
Assessing security levels in our business
Our business units assess their systems every year for security weaknesses and areas for improvement. We apply a risk-based, performance-oriented management systems approach by considering site-specific circumstances that identify and analyze security threats and vulnerabilities, and to evaluate the adequacy of countermeasures to mitigate the threats. The need for and type of security enhancements required is determined based on site-specific factors such as degree of threat, the degree of vulnerability, the potential consequences of a security event, and the attractiveness of an asset to an adversary.
We also closely monitor global security issues facing the energy delivery industry through our active participation in trade associations such as the American Petroleum Institute, the American Gas Association, and the Canadian Gas Association. This activity forms an integral part of a collaborative mechanism working to protect the energy delivery system in North America. Communication as an industry with many government entities – including the United States Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy and Coast Guard; Natural Resources Canada; the National Energy Board; and other agencies – is essential. This process helps Enbridge, other member companies and the government work more efficiently.
International security
We are committed to maintaining protective measures for Enbridge employees and contractors supporting our investments, delivering consulting services, and conducting business development activities outside of North America at a level consistent with the risk. Security assessments consider multiple factors, including crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism, kidnapping and geopolitical stability. To obtain the necessary specialized expertise, we have retained International SOS to provide daily security updates and emergency evacuation services and Grant Thornton LLP to provide ongoing country risk analysis, employee travel preparation and assistance with in-country security support. With the help of these service providers, Enbridge continuously monitors the security situation in each country where Enbridge carries out activities and has the ability to respond should the security situation shift abruptly.
Participating in national and cross-border security discussions
We look for opportunities to contribute to the safety and security of the communities in which we work. In 2006, we participated in numerous forums dedicated to security and public-private sector partnerships:
- Since Sept. 11, 2001, governments and corporations have been focusing more attention than ever on security issues. In 2006, with support from Enbridge, the two sectors had a rare opportunity to come together to discuss the threats and vulnerabilities they face and the measures they must use to protect themselves. The occasion was the second Public-Private Sector Summit on National Security, held in Ottawa in May. The meeting was organized by the Conference Board of Canada and sponsored in part by Enbridge.
- Members of our Corporate Security Steering Committee participated in an International Pipeline Security Forum, jointly sponsored by the United States Transportation Security Administration and Natural Resources Canada. The forum provided an opportunity for public- and private-sector leaders to enhance their knowledge of security planning and execution at critical pipeline sites, establish and maintain relationships, and identify and share smart security practices throughout the industry to collectively address today’s shared security challenges.
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