A fiber-optic link failure caused a major outage in the Canadian government's computer network on January 31st, 2025, affecting communication and basic tasks for staff in the Prime Minister's Office and Privy Council Office. While the outage lasted for approximately 24 hours, an investigation found no evidence of deliberate sabotage. The incident occurred at a time of heightened tension with the US, as President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian exports.
February 06, 2025 at 12:49PM EST -- A failed fiber-optic link crippled the computer network at the highest level of the Canadian government throughout the day on Jan. 31, but an investigation has found no evidence of deliberate sabotage, a spokesperson said.
Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Privy Council Office were unable to use their work computers to perform even basic tasks such as sending emails or printing documents, according to affected people who spoke to Bloomberg on condition they weren’t named. “A failed fiber link connection resulted in the outage that occurred,” Nick Wells, a spokesperson for Shared Services Canada, the government’s information technology department, said in an email. He added the department is reviewing the matter with the vendor supplying the fiber-optic link.
Staff who spoke to Bloomberg were frustrated that the government’s computer network was apparently so vulnerable that even just one fiber-optic link failure was capable of taking it down for a full day.
Politics Government Network Outage Cybersecurity Fiber-Optic Failure Trade War Canada US Tariffs
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump and Trudeau to Talk as Canada Braces for Trade War with Its Southern NeighborCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to meet amid growing concerns about a potential trade war between Canada and the United States. The talks come as the Canadian government prepares to respond to recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, with Canadian officials denouncing the tariffs as unjustified. Canadian businesses are urging the government to pressure American corporations to avoid retaliatory actions against Canadian companies.
Read more »
University of Guelph Leads Network to Boost Canadian Agri-Food InnovationThe University of Guelph is leading the development of a national network aimed at accelerating investment in Canadian agri-food innovation, particularly in technologies addressing climate change. The network, called Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C), received a $16.3 million government grant to support its initiatives.
Read more »
Canadian Sports News Roundup: Taylor's Triumph, Canadian Curling Trials, and MoreThis roundup covers a range of Canadian sports news, including Nick Taylor's victory at the Sony Open, updates on the Canadian mixed doubles curling trials, and more.
Read more »
Aritzia, Canadian Tire, Lululemon among Canadian retailers shifting production outside ChinaShoppers come and go from a Canadian Tire store in Ottawa on Aug. 11, 2023.
Read more »
Trump Hints at February Tariffs on Canadian Goods, While Canadian Politicians Back Away from Carbon PricingThis article covers several news stories from The Canadian Press. It starts with US President Donald Trump's suggestion of 25% tariffs on Canadian imports by February 1st, despite earlier indications of a study on trade practices. The article also discusses the three frontrunners in the Liberal leadership race shifting away from the Liberal government's carbon pricing policy. Other news covered includes Statistics Canada's upcoming release of December's inflation figures, thawing permafrost in the Arctic tundra, and a focus on the benefits of small care homes for long-term residents.
Read more »
Trump to Implement Tariffs on Canadian Goods, Prompting Canadian ResponseU.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration speech signaled his intention to impose tariffs on Canadian goods, reversing earlier reports that suggested a delay. Canadian officials have expressed preparedness for this move, outlining plans to defend Canadian interests and jobs.
Read more »