Emergency Management in Canada is a shared
responsibility. That means everyone has an important role to play, including
individuals, communities, governments, the private sector and volunteer
organizations. Basic emergency preparedness starts with each individual. If
someone cannot cope, emergency first responders such as police, fire and
ambulance services will provide help.
If the municipality needs additional assistance or resources, they can call on provincial/territorial emergency management organizations, who can seek assistance from the federal government if the emergency escalates beyond their capabilities. Depending on the situation, federal assistance could include policing, national defense and border security, and environmental and health protection.
Requests for assistance from provincial/territorial authorities are managed through Public Safety Canada, which maintains close operational links with the provinces and territories. It can take just a few minutes for the response to move from the local to the national level, ensuring that the right resources and expertise are identified and triggered.
Everyone responsible for Canada's emergency management system shares the common goal of preventing or managing disasters. Public Safety Canada is responsible for coordinating emergency response efforts on behalf of the federal government. More information is available on the Public Safety web site at www.publicsafety.gc.ca (click on "Emergency Management”).
For a look at our Municipal Emergency Management Plan please click here
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