In the event of a strike, regular security, trained in emergency and fire evacuation procedures, etc, will not be available at the Confederation Complex. As a result, precautions have to be taken to protect the safety of all individuals visiting or employed in the Confederation Building. It is critical these measures be taken because of the reduction in security staff, available on site, trained to handle such situations.

The only public access to the East Block will be through the northeast entrance (entrance at the back of the building closest to the House of Assembly security desk). The northwest entrance (back of building near former bank location) will be open for disabled access only.

The front doors of the West Block will be the only access to that building.

Access to the Confederation Building will be limited to visitors to the House of Assembly public gallery, visitors with pre-arranged appointments and authorized employees. Individuals going to the public gallery will have to enter the building through the northeast access, at which time they will receive a pass from the security desk, if space is still available. The public gallery can seat 135. Once this limit has been reached, no other individuals will be permitted in the gallery or the lobby of the building unless space subsequently becomes available.

Visitors with prearranged appointments will also be permitted into the buildings. They will be issued a visitors pass and will be escorted to the location of their appointment.

These actions need be taken to protect the safety of all individuals visiting or employed in the Confederation Building and to ensure that if an emergency occurs and the building needs to be evacuated, available security staff will know where visitors are located.

John Clarke
Chief of Security and Life Safety
Works, Services and Transportation

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2001 04 02                                                     7:15 a.m.