NEWS & SOCIAL MEDIA
Major power outage hits Southern Ontario and Northeastern U.S. Officials cite software issue as restoration timelines remain unclear.
This section brings together the latest news, social media updates, and weather information to help you understand what is happening. Click each item for more details..
NATIONAL
Governments are coordinating over a possible state-sponsored grid attack.
LOCAL
GTA residents enter a fourth day without power as cyberattack reports fuel anxiety and shortages, closures and transit disruptions continue across the region.
FINANCIAL
Markets are set to open lower as investors react to cyberattack reports, rising volatility and growing concerns over further infrastructure disruptions.
SPECIALTY
Following the reported cyber attack, attention has shifted to an online statement released by a well-known threat group claiming responsibility.
The following optional content is available for those who would like additional context. It is not required reading before the exercise.
Optional Additional Content
Weather Forecast
Monday
22° 17°
Tuesday
24° 18°
Wednesday
21° 16°
City of Toronto
@CityToronto
City services continue operating under emergency procedures. Residents are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel and conserve fuel. Community centres and libraries with power remain open, offering device charging, washrooms and Wi-Fi where available.
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
10:00 PM - Aug 23
Toronto Hydro
@TorontoHydro
9:40 PM - Aug 23
We continue working with provincial partners to stabilize the electrical system. The cause of the outage remains under investigation. There is currently no estimated timeline for widespread restoration.
TTC
@TTC-Operations
TTC subway service is suspended across affected areas. Buses continue on a reduced schedule, subject to congestion, fuel availability and staffing.
💬 19 ◉ 2K
9:30 PM - Aug 23
💬 20 ◉ 1.3K
@Metrolinx
Metrolinx
9:27 PM - Aug 23
GO Transit rail service is suspended across most affected areas. GO Bus service continues on a reduced schedule, subject to road conditions and fuel availability.
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
Pearson Airport
@Pearson
Toronto Pearson continues operating under emergency power and contingency procedures. Airlines continue to experience delays and cancellations. Passengers should check directly with their airline before departing for the airport.
💬 40 ◉ 1.2K
9:25 PM - Aug 23
@EMO
Emergency Management Ontario
9:22 PM - Aug 23
Provincial coordination continues with municipalities, utilities and critical infrastructure partners. Residents are encouraged to conserve fuel, limit unnecessary travel, check on vulnerable family members and neighbours, and monitor official sources for updates.
💬 4 ◉ 1K
Interactive Map
POWER OUTAGE - IMPACTED AREAS
This interactive map shows the areas currently affected by power outages. Click each location for more details.
KEY ASSUMPTIONS
This section outlines key scenario facts and assumptions.
Transportation
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Canada–U.S. land border crossings remain open and operational.
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Processing times are significantly longer than usual.
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Commercial traffic and critical goods are being prioritized.
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Non-essential travel is experiencing substantial delays.
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Regional transportation networks remain operational but are significantly disrupted.
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Municipal transit agencies are operating reduced contingency bus services where possible.
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Rail services are largely suspended.
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Highways remain open but are experiencing severe congestion.
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Major airports, including Toronto Pearson, remain operational using backup power and contingency procedures.
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Flight schedules are significantly disrupted.
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Delays and cancellations are common.
Government Services
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Emergency services remain operational and continue to respond to priority incidents.
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Response times are significantly longer than usual.
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Non-urgent incidents may experience substantial delays.
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Mutual aid and provincial coordination are supporting affected municipalities.
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Federal, provincial and municipal governments remain operational under emergency procedures.
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Emergency management activities are fully activated.
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Resources are focused on: critical infrastructure, public safety and essential services
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Many non-essential government services face delays, reduced hours or temporary interruptions.
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Toronto Police provide regular public safety updates.
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Additional officers support traffic management, critical infrastructure and high-demand locations.
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The public is advised to call 911 only for emergencies, avoid unnecessary travel, report suspicious activity and follow police directions.
Infrastructure
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Natural gas service remains operational and facilities with natural gas backup generation are also operational.
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Toronto Hydro restoration efforts continue 24/7.
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Critical infrastructure and public safety are prioritized.
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Stay clear of downed power lines and monitor official updates.
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Cellular networks remain operational but congested.
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Calls, texts and mobile data may be slow or intermittent.
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Coverage may decline as backup power is exhausted.
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Supply chains and freight remain operational but disrupted.
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Fuel shortages, congestion and staffing issues are delaying deliveries.
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Critical supplies are prioritized.
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Non-essential goods face delays and localized shortages.
Financial Services
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Retail banking remains operational but degraded.
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Online and mobile banking may be slow or intermittent.
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Many branches are closed or operating reduced hours.
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Electronic payments remain operational but may be intermittent.
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Card payments work where power and connectivity are available.
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Transaction failures are more frequent than normal.
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Cash access becomes increasingly limited.
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Many ATMs are offline or out of cash.
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Operational ATMs face long lines and withdrawal limits.
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Global financial markets remain open but highly volatile.
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Market infrastructure continues operating normally as investors shift toward bonds, gold and defensive sectors.
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Credit and liquidity markets remain functional as regulators continue monitoring conditions.
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Canada’s financial system remains stable and resilient and attention remains focused on outage duration and economic impacts.
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The extreme heat wave has ended.
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Temperatures remain cool and seasonable, with highs in the low 20s°C.
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No severe weather is forecast.
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Loss of air conditioning may cause discomfort but no widespread health emergency.
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Business operations are significantly disrupted.
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Many offices are closed or operating with reduced staff.
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Remote work continues where possible, but productivity is limited.
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Essential businesses remain open at reduced capacity.
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Grocery stores remain open where power and staffing allow.
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Perishable food supplies are increasingly limited.
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Essential items face high demand and shortages.
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Purchase limits are in place at many stores.
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Many camps and childcare programs are cancelled or operating at reduced capacity.
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Power outages, transportation issues and staffing shortages are causing disruptions.
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Childcare challenges are increasing employee absenteeism.
Personal Impact
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Waste, recycling and organics collection continue where possible.
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Staffing and transportation issues are causing delays.
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Some areas face temporary service suspensions.
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Municipal drinking water remains operational.
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Treatment and distribution continue on backup power where needed.
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Tap water remains safe to drink.
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No widespread service interruptions or boil water advisories are expected.
Water & Sanitation
Public Health
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Hospitals remain operational on backup power.
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Emergency departments face higher volumes and longer waits.
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Elective and non-urgent services are reduced or postponed.
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Hospitals remain operational on backup power.
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Some facilities face localized disruptions from generator failures or fuel delays.
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Temporary service reductions and patient transfers may occur.
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No widespread healthcare system failure is expected.
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Provincial authorities are coordinating repairs, fuel and resources.
SM
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CC
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CG
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AH
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MI
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GL
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JP
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DS
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TW
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SC
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YOUR MESSAGES
Select a participant to view their emails, messages, calls and other internal communications.
EXERCISE INTRODUCTION
In preparation for the exercise, please watch the two short videos below and review other key details.
What's happening right now
Situation Recap
Scenario Update
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Media report a possible state-sponsored cyberattack on the North American electrical grid.
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A known threat actor claims responsibility and warns of further attacks.
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Southern Ontario remains without power, with transportation, fuel and business disruptions.
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The CMT and Board will meet to assess impacts and confirm priorities; no direct financial-sector targeting is evident.
