>From Stats Canada 61F0057MIE98002 The Preparedness of Canadian Business for the Year 2 000 Computer Problem A Reassessment Abstract: With the Year 2000 fast approaching, there could be major disruptions to business activities if computer systems are not able to correctly handle the date change from December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000. Task Force Year 2000 sponsored an initial survey in October 1997 to determine the state of preparedness of Canadian businesses for dealing with the Year 2000 computer problem. The survey revealed that while 91% of businesses were aware of the Year 2000 issue, only 45% had taken steps to address it, with 9% of all businesses having a formal action plan to do so. In response to these results, the Task Force carried out a nation-wide communications strategy to increase awareness about the Year 2000 issue, and a follow-up survey was subsequently conducted in May of 1998. The survey found that virtually all firms were aware of the date-change issue, and 70% had taken some steps to deal with it. The percentage of businesses with a formal action plan had risen to 18%. This report provides descriptive analysis of the results of the follow-up survey. It takes a closer look at the various steps firms have taken and reassesses the costs, in both monetary and human resources terms, of finding and fixing non-compliant systems. It also presents findings on firms' timetables for preparing for 2000. Finally, the report contains detailed charts and tables of survey results for various industrial sectors and business-size categories. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Facing the Future Inc. 15003 56 Avenue, Edmonton AB T6H 5B2 (403) 438-7342
