Canadian Profile of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP-CP)

The Canadian Profile of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP-CP) is to be used to create and transport public alerts and notices in Canada, for all hazards and public service disruptions.

The CAP-CP is a set of rules and managed lists of values that are to be used in accordance with the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) standard. They were defined in support of automated translation and message composition, as well as routing, filtering and validation of alert originator rights.

There are three documents which make up the CAP-CP, and each will be managed independently of the others:

1. The CAP-CP Introduction and Rule Set document 
2. The CAP-CP Location References document, that is largely based on the work of Statistics Canada, and will have a revision cycle closely tied to their work.
3. The CAP-CP Event References document, that defines a managed list of event values and codes. Over the next year this list is to be vetted by subject matter experts.

The following table provides a list of the most current CAP-CP documents. For a link to archived and reference documents, click here.

Notices:

1. We emphasize that the CAP-CP documents are works in progress, and that changes must be expected without notice.
2. CAP-CP rules and managed lists are not now managed to standards practices. In time, we can expect them to be.
3. Neither CAPAN, nor any other party to the process of developing these documents, assumes any risks or costs associated with their use, whatsoever. They are posted herein as a convenience to the community of stakeholders.

Comments, Suggestions:

We welcome your comments and suggestions, with the understanding that you offer them freely, without any conditions, including any requirement for attribution. Click here to send your comments and suggestions.

Layers

The CAP standard defines a set of minimum requirements which must be met for an alert to be considered valid within CAP compliant systems. Additional requirements may be included, provided they comply with the standard. Such requirements should not be added if an existing element addresses the need.

“Layers” is the term the CAP-CP community is using to identify requirements which are introduced to satisfy specific systems or sub-groups of stakeholders. The management of layers is the duty of the community of stakeholders directly impacted by them.

Examples of layers include the following:

1. CAPAN CAP Event Location Layer. This layer is specific to the identification of an events location, and shape, which can be used in support of a common presentation of CAP alerts, and other purposes. Click here for more information on this layer and initiative.
2. Environment Canada is defining a layer which includes location and event codes used with their weather radio system.

CAPAN will endeavor to maintain a registry of recognized layers on this website, so that all stakeholders may be aware of them, and avoid duplication and conflicts between them.