 |
The RCMP's Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit will not be part of a massive United States security exercise later this month.
National Level Exercise 2009, formerly called TOPOFF (for Top Officials), was billed in March 2007 Department of Homeland Security documents as "Olympics Prep."
The July 27-31 simulation of a terrorist attack includes personnel from Australia, Canada, Mexico and United Kingdom in five southern states and Washington, D.C.
"Our direct involvement in that exercise is nil," said V2010 ISU chief Bud Mercer.
"We're aware of the exercise, there are a number of moving pieces on the public safety and consequence management side which are not directly related to security for which I'm aware of."
Public Safety Canada spokesman David Charbonneau claimed NLE-09 is unrelated to the 2010 Games, but "any potential improvements which could contribute to our preparedness and/or the management of security for large- scale public events will be shared with security and emergency planners."
Charbonneau said the following Canadian agencies would be involved in NLE-09: Public Safety Canada, Communications Security Establishment, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, RCMP, Department of National Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Privy Council Office, Financial Tracking Analysis Centre, Department of Justice and Transport Canada.