I rise today to inform honourable members about an important national campaign, Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs from May 7-13. This week is dedicated to raising awareness among Canadians of the importance of planning for potential emergencies.

Here in Newfoundland and Labrador our extreme weather is the cause of many of our emergencies. Our most recent example was the flooding along the northeast coast. Some 30 communities were impacted with damages estimated in the millions of dollar. In the community of Middle Arm, more than 200 millimeters of rain fell, causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure. Then there are the devastating flooding events that occurred in the Stephenville area last September and in the town of Badger in February 2003.

In our ongoing efforts to prepare for emergencies this government is committing substantial resources. As announced in the recent budget, $4.7 million will be invested to ensure the province is prepared to respond to and manage public health emergencies, including pandemic influenza, should the need arise. This investment includes funding for three additional staff and new vehicles in my department�s Fire and Emergency Services Division.

This government takes emergency preparedness and response very seriously. This is clearly demonstrated by these investments.

I note the recent appointment of a deputy minister for emergency planning. The deputy minister is tasked with developing a comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness within the provincial government, as well as making recommendations on legislative changes, financial and organizational requirements for more effective emergency preparedness.

While federal, provincial and municipal governments work to ensure they are prepared when disaster strikes, emergency preparedness begins with the individual. We must all be prepared. That means keeping an emergency supply kit in our homes and cars, making a family emergency plan so that all family members know the proper response, and learning about past emergency events so that we can be ready if they happen again.

I encourage municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure that their emergency plans are up to date. For those municipalities that do not yet have emergency plans, I strongly encourage them to start developing plans immediately.

I also encourage everyone to visit the Emergency Preparedness Week web site to learn how to be better prepared in the event of a disaster. The address is www.emergencypreparednessweek.ca.

Knowing the risk you face is the first step to being prepared. It is up to each of us to learn about and prepare for potential emergencies. Prepare now. Learn how.

2006 05 08                                           1:45 p.m.