Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston expressed his disappointment regarding the response of the privately owned provincial utility, Nova Scotia Power, to a cyberattack that occurred in April 2025. The incident disrupted several systems within the utility and raised concerns among customers who reported issues related to unauthorized access to their personal information.
In his statements, Houston criticized the utility's lack of adequate communication and responsiveness to the affected customers. He noted that it seemed as if the utility was not taking the matter seriously and was failing to provide satisfactory explanations to those impacted by the cyberattack.
The premier highlighted that the government is contemplating potential fines for Nova Scotia Power due to its inadequate handling of the situation. However, he reassured ratepayers that they would not be responsible for covering any financial penalties imposed as a result of the incident.
This week, the president and CEO of Nova Scotia Power testified in front of a provincial legislative committee, revealing that the cyberattack was likely orchestrated by an actor based in Russia. This information adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discussion surrounding the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in Canada.
The day following this testimony, the federal government released a statement underscoring the urgent and real threat posed by cyberattacks targeting Canadian critical infrastructure. National Defence Minister David McGuinty and Public Security Minister Gary Anandasangaree emphasized that any disruption resulting from such attacks poses a significant danger to public health, environmental safety, public confidence, and the economy as a whole.
This incident has highlighted the prevailing risks associated with cyberattacks, particularly concerning vital services that play a crucial role in the day-to-day functioning of society. Premier Houston's concern reflects broader worries among provincial and federal authorities regarding the security measures in place to protect essential services from emerging cybersecurity threats.
As discussions continue regarding the accountability of Nova Scotia Power in this matter, the implications of the cyberattack extend beyond the utility itself, affecting the perception of safety and reliability of critical service providers in the region. The ongoing scrutiny from the government and the public will likely determine the course of actions taken to enhance cybersecurity and communication protocols within the utility industry moving forward.
