International Emergency Management Group Meeting in St. John's

Approximately 30 delegates from Eastern Canada and the New England States are in Newfoundland and Labrador this week for the 2010 Spring Conference of the International Emergency Management Group (IEMG). The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, launched discussions this morning at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John's.

The IEMG was created in 1998 through a resolution of the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers and provides for mutual assistance in managing an emergency or disaster. Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador is hosting this year's conference on behalf of the Province.

"One of the fundamental tenants of emergency preparedness is to know the resources in your area; those that can be accessed during an event," said Minister Whalen. "As a province, we need to know the avenues available for access to much needed resources in the event of a disaster in our own backyard. We know all too well how quickly an emergency can strike and the many challenges we could face. The IEMG helps us to plan as much as possible for future disasters."

Representatives in attendance will have the opportunity to hear presentations from New Hampshire representatives on the 2008 ice storm, the American contamination response to the threat of anthrax, and the Joint Task Force Atlantic on the co-ordination of the Haitian earthquake response.

"Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, we continue to encourage these types of strong partnerships and take measures to foster a productive relationship with our neighbours, for the good of our residents," said Minister Whalen. "It is my hope that the 2010 Spring Conference will continue its strong foundation of providing structure and form to international mutual aid between the provinces and states involved."

The IEMG Spring Conference runs until Thursday, May 20.

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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
CherylGullage@gov.nl.ca 

2010 05 18                                                   10:05 a.m.