The most common question from business focused on "whether there is a resource for SMEs [Small and Medium Enterprises] - a short, easy-to-use template that small companies can take and apply to their operations and get it over with," says [Gordon Cherry]. "We've published an SME checklist and are currently working on a template product for SMEs for business disruption, including a pandemic."

"In fact, the only comprehensive guide that existed in the world was a publication issued by the government of New Zealand (and) no guide specifically designed for Canadian business," says Cherry. "We took the initiative (with Industry Canada) to produce the guide. Many large companies now have a plan in place for business disruption like a pandemic, especially global companies like Alcan. Most (smaller) companies simply do not have the time or resources to develop a plan specifically for a pandemic."

For its part, CME is maintaining close contact with the federal government's private sector working group on pandemic preparedness and other associations to maintain readiness. That approach underscores the work of the U.S. and Canadian governments on issues such as ensuring minimal disruption to trade and reduced impact on border crossings. And it complements the efforts of the federal government's Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC). PSEPC's website outlines "A Guide to Business Continuity Planning," with key points on planning for a pandemic.

"It's not a matter of if, but when." That phrase is fast becoming the mantra for the potential of an avian influenza pandemic. It is also a line popping up increasingly with respect to business continuity planning. Business continuity is essential, and almost no organization would be untouched by a pandemic. But organizations often need a push to start the planning process. Last year, CME developed its Influenza Pandemic: Continuity Planning Guide for Canadian Business. The driving force behind planning was the World Health Organization's recommendation that countries undertake "urgent action" to prepare for the continuing spread of avian influenza, known as the H5N1 virus or just "bird flu." For its part, CME is maintaining close contact with the federal government's private sector working group on pandemic preparedness and other associations to maintain readiness. At the local level, organizations like the Ontario Chamber of Commerce are getting involved.

Contingency planning
Avian flu
Management of crises
Pandemics