http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Final-Olympic-Security-iw-537900683.h...

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - 10/30/09) - Exercise Gold, the third and final Olympic security exercise, will take place from November 2-6, 2009. As part of the 2010 Olympic Integrated Exercise Program, Exercise Gold serves to confirm that federal, provincial, regional, and municipal organizations are prepared to respond in a coordinated manner to any emergency that may occur during the 2010 Winter Games.

"As hosts of the 2010 Winter Games, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for athletes, visitors and Canadians," said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety. "That is why Canada has taken a comprehensive approach to security planning. We are on track to deliver a safe and secure Games, so that what people remember is the celebration and excitement of the competition - not any questions of security."

"In a few short months we will welcome the world to British Columbia as we play host to the 2010 Winter Games," said the Honourable Kash Heed, BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "Working with our partners in the federal and local governments, we will ensure these Games are safe and secure for all."

The 2010 Olympic Integrated Exercise Program consists of three complementary exercises increasing in scope, complexity and participation:

- Bronze was held in November 2008 and examined regional safety and security issues;

- Silver was held in February 2009 and practiced safety and security plans, procedures, and interoperability;

- Gold is a full-scale operational exercise to confirm readiness for the Games.

"Exercise Gold represents years of planning, integration and preparation with local, provincial, national and international safety and security partners. 2010 will be an historic year for British Columbia and Canada, but the safety and security inter-agency cooperation and relationships will remain in place for years to come," said Assistant Commissioner Bud Mercer, Chief Operating Officer of the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit.

"The Canadian Forces are proud to support the RCMP in securing the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games," said Rear-Admiral Tyrone Pile, Commander of Joint Task Force Games. "Contributing to the safety and security of Canadians here at home is our first priority."

A component of Exercise Gold consists of two full-scale live-action events simulating chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) incidents in Richmond and Vancouver. These events provide a realistic environment with mock casualties, and will involve a response from local first responders including police and fire services. The events will take place in controlled areas and will pose no risk to the public or the environment.

About Exercise Gold

Over 140 federal, provincial, municipal and private sector organizations are participating in Exercise Gold. It tests communication and coordination between these organizations, and will largely be out of the public eye, as organizations will participate via their respective operations centres.