Question Period Note: Cloud Brokering Services

The Government of Canada Cloud first policy requirement recommends Cloud as the preferred option for delivering IT services. Shared Services Canada brokers Cloud services (for unclassified and Protected B data) for Government of Canada departments.

• By adopting Cloud computing, the Government of Canada supports a digitally enabled workforce and provides improved digital services to Canadians.

• Cloud computing is a proven option for hosting data and applications, often offering greater flexibility, mobility and efficiency.

• The Government of Canada has twenty-six contracts in place for commercially available unclassified Cloud services and three contracts for Protected B.

• Cloud services are available through the Cloud Brokering Portal for on-demand consumption and are based on actual usage.

• The protection and privacy of Government of Canada data stored and processed in the Cloud is a top priority for the Government of Canada.

If pressed on Cloud Security:

• Privacy and security of information remains a top priority for the Government of Canada. The procurement process for cloud services ensures that protected B information will remain within Canada’s borders.

• Shared Services Canada works with security partners (such as the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security) to ensure its service offerings meet specified Government of Canada security requirements to mitigate the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data and business processes.

• Shared Services Canada monitors compliance to Government of Canada-specified security requirements to ensure they remain in place.

• Canadians can rest assured that their data is safe in the Cloud.

• The Government of Canada has policies in place that enforce where data resides (residency), how it is controlled (sovereignty).

• The Government of Canada will not award contracts unless all of the security requirements are met.

Shared Services Canada offers Cloud brokering services for unclassified and Protected B data to Government of Canada departments. Cloud services provide access to shared information technology resources through “pay for use” models, similar to those for water and electricity utilities.

Shared Services Canada is responsible for Cloud service supply, readiness, enablement and standardization and acts as the liaison between qualified Cloud service providers and Government of Canada departments. Government of Canada departments can review, purchase and provide public Cloud services through Shared Services Canada’s Cloud brokering service portal. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat offers Government of Canada Right Cloud Selection Guidance to help departments decide which Cloud model is right for them.

Shared Services Canada uses a procurement process which will enable Cloud service providers to offer cloud-based services to the Government of Canada for unclassified and Protected B data.

The Cloud services contracts were put in place through a collaborative procurement process, which responded to industry feedback allowing for the Government of Canada to have access to a wide range of secure, scalable, and rapidly-available cloud computing capabilities.

• Shared Services Canada offers Cloud brokering services for unclassified and Protected B data to Government of Canada departments.

• Shared Services Canada is responsible for Cloud service supply, readiness, enablement and standardization and acts as the liaison between qualified Cloud service providers and Government of Canada departments.