H1N1 flu preparedness at CN

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of H1N1 flu (swine flu) to be at Phase 6, or a “global pandemic.”  It's important to emphasize that Phase 6 does not mean that the severity of the disease has worsened.  It means that person-to-person transmission of the virus has continued and spread throughout at least two regions of the world. 

CN is closely monitoring the most current information available, and following the recommendations of the lead experts and organizations.  Through our Office of Occupational Health Services, we remain in contact with the public health agencies in Canada (the Public Health Agency of Canada) and the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

In response to the concerns posed by a pandemic flu, and in concert with business “best practices,” CN has created a Pandemic Flu Plan.  The CN Pandemic Flu Plan is a dynamic document that is subject to continual review and will be updated as required.  The plan is based on a three-pronged strategy of awareness, prevention and preparedness, which remain the best defense against the spread of influenza.

FAQs

1. Does CN have a Pandemic Plan?

   Yes, CN put in place a cross-functional Pandemic Flu Committee (which is a permanent sub-committee of the Business Continuity Planning Committee) in late 2006 to assess the potential threat caused by a pandemic, and to prepare CN should such an outbreak occur. The CN Pandemic Flu Plan is a dynamic document that is subject to continual review and is updated as required.  The plan is based on a three-pronged strategy of awareness, prevention and preparedness, which remain the best defense against the spread of influenza. 

2. What is the objective of CN's Pandemic Plan?

   The objective of CN's Pandemic Flu planning effort is to mitigate, to the greatest extent possible, the effects of a pandemic flu outbreak and to best enable CN to maintain its business operations in the event of a pandemic flu crisis. CN's plan is based on recommendations from Public Health Authorities in the U.S. and Canada and is flexible enough to adjust to different scenarios and situations that may arise in case of a pandemic. CN continues to update our Pandemic plan and other business continuity plans in coordination with regulators, customers and suppliers.

3. Have any CN employees become sick with H1N1 flu?

   In all likelihood, yes, due to the fact that the H1N1 flu has been reported in areas where CN operates.  In addition to cases of H1N1 identified by health professionals, there are most certainly many milder cases in North America that were not even reported.

4. Will CN's business operations be affected by a pandemic?

   We cannot predict the impact that a pandemic may have on our operations, but through detailed preparation and planning we can reduce the risks associated with a pandemic in and around our property. Our Pandemic Flu Plan interfaces with our Business Continuity Plan. Remaining nimble and flexible will be our hallmark and CN is better positioned than most organizations to achieve this goal.  We certainly have the proven ability to rapidly adapt our operations to changes in local conditions and requirements. 

5. If a flu outbreak occurs in a particular location in CN's territory, will CN continue to travel to that region?

   CN will follow instructions from public health authorities regarding limitation on travel.

6. Has CN considered the potential impacts of a pandemic on its business?

   Yes, we have assessed the impacts and have plans in place to mitigate various levels of absentee rates for various durations and multiple waves.  CN will adjust its plans to reflect public health authorities' estimates of the severity of the pandemic.

7. Has CN identified suppliers that are business critical to its operations?

   Yes, the availability of critical contractors and services has been established and addressed in CN's Business Continuity Plan.

8. Does your company have a documented Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?

   Yes. CN's Pandemic Flu Committee is a permanent sub-committee of the Business Continuity Planning Committee.  Our Pandemic Flu Plan interfaces with the BCP. Remaining nimble and flexible will be our hallmark and CN is better positioned than most organizations to achieve this goal.  We certainly have the proven ability to rapidly adapt our operations to changes in local conditions and requirements. 

9. Will CN share its documented Pandemic Plan with customers?

   Yes. Information on CN's Pandemic Plan is available at www.cn.ca/pandemicplan.