Global Computer Outage Causes Chaos in Canada and Beyond

A massive global computer outage on Friday disrupted operations at various industries in Canada and beyond, with widespread repercussions affecting transportation, media, and healthcare sectors.

Among those impacted, Porter Airlines was forced to ground all flights until at least noon, while Toronto Pearson International Airport experienced significant disruptions.

Media outlets such as ABC, Canal+, TF1, and Sky News also faced challenges due to the outage, with interruptions in broadcasting and service.

Locally, the Commission de transport de Toronto (TTC) reported no immediate impacts on its services, ensuring operational signaling and security systems.

Public transit in Toronto, including trains and buses managed by Metrolinx, remained operational despite potential difficulties with online account access through the PRESTO system.

VIA Rail confirmed that its services were running on schedule, unaffected by the global outage.

Within the healthcare sector, University Health Network reported system disruptions, causing possible delays for patients, while NL Health Services in Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador anticipated service interruptions affecting patient care and financial operations.

However, institutions like the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) stated that their services remained unaffected.

Moreover, radio broadcasts were disrupted in regions like Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and the Côte-Nord, further underscoring the global impact of the computer outage.