The global technology outage continues to cause massive disruptions across various sectors in Canada. Here are the latest updates, with all times Eastern:
1:30 p.m. British Columbia health authorities report that the CrowdStrike disruption has affected networks and computers across all systems. The five regional authorities have implemented contingency plans to ensure health-care services remain operational and are trying to ensure patient care is not disrupted to the best of their ability.
11:25 a.m. Toronto-based cybersecurity and technology lawyer Brent Arnold highlights the enormous scope of the global outage, noting it could be the largest of its kind. Arnold emphasizes the interconnectedness of the technology industry and the substantial costs for the numerous affected companies.
10:55 a.m. Porter Airlines extends flight cancellations until 3:00 p.m. due to third-party system outages. The outage has affected Porter’s website, mobile app, reservation, and other systems, preventing rebooking until operations are restored. Air Canada and WestJet report no direct impacts on their operations.
10:10 a.m. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) experienced a partial outage of its telephone reporting system, primarily used by small aircraft passengers and boaters. The issue has been resolved, and no other CBSA systems are currently affected. Telus Corp. reports some employees unable to access tools and systems needed for customer support, working urgently to restore full functionality.
10 a.m. WestJet reports no direct effects on its IT systems or operations but anticipates potential delays due to impacts at airports. The airline advises guests traveling via WestJet or connecting with other airlines to expect possible disruptions.
9:50 a.m. The tech outage is not affecting race weekend at the Honda Indy in Toronto. IndyCar spokeswoman Kate Davis confirms the event remains on schedule, with no anticipated issues.
9:45 a.m. Hamilton’s St. Joseph’s hospital is experiencing IT system issues and is working on a fix. The hospital remains open and will keep patients informed on care plans. Via Rail reports no impact from the global outage, with normal operations continuing.
9:15 a.m. The Canadian Bankers Association states its members are reviewing the situation based on updates from technology partners. They emphasize that Canada’s banking system is well-protected and expect temporary effects on services.
8:30 a.m. TMX Group, operator of the Toronto Stock Exchange, reports core trading and clearing systems are operating normally, with trading expected to begin as usual at 9:30 a.m. They are continuing to monitor for potential impacts.
8 a.m. Windsor Police report long delays at the Canada-U.S. border, both at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and the Ambassador Bridge, due to the global outage. Travelers are advised to avoid these areas if possible. Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport anticipates potential flight delays and cancellations.
7:45 a.m. Rogers Communications Inc. reports no impact on its phone and internet networks or its media outlets. Air Canada monitors the situation closely but reports no major impact on its operations.
7:30 a.m. Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services reports several IT systems affected by the outage, including Meditech, the main information system for managing patient care and finance information. Contingency plans are in place, focusing on emergency care delivery.
7:15 a.m. The University Health Network in Toronto reports some systems are affected by the outage, with clinical activity continuing as scheduled but potential delays for some patients.
7 a.m. Flight delays and cancellations are expected at Pearson International Airport in Toronto due to technology disruptions affecting airlines. Porter Airlines cancels flights until 12 p.m. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador warns of service disruptions on its digital platforms and is working with service providers to resolve the issue.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 19, 2024.
