NLIS 1
June 21, 2000
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

Emergency Measures Organization

Elizabeth Peckham, Director of Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), released a statement today to correct inaccuracies regarding the organization�s role in a successful search and rescue operation which concluded in Labrador today. Ms. Peckham said the role of the organization is to support police agencies which conduct search and rescue operations. She added that EMO has cooperated with the RCMP in this operation according to procedures which have been in place for more than a decade.

"While we are delighted that the missing woman was found, we are still very concerned about inaccuracies which unnecessarily caused stress for the family of the woman while she was missing," said Ms. Peckham. "While EMO does not conduct search and rescue operations we do assist agencies like the RCMP, which was the lead organization in this search. Our helicopter service is available at the request of the agency conducting the search and rescue and in this case we complied with every request of the RCMP. No helicopter surveillance time was ever denied by EMO. "

Ms. Peckham said that EMO will continue to support the RCMP and other police agencies when they conduct search and rescue operations. She added that EMO acts immediately when police agencies request assistance in their search and rescue operations.

Media contact: Elizabeth Peckham, Director, (709) 729-3703.

2000 06 21                 4:15 p.m.