Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
December 14, 2016
Ensuring the Safety of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
Provincial Government Announces Updated Agreements for the Provision of Emergency Social Services
The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, was at the Canadian Red Cross in St. John's today to announce Fixed Amount and Direct Aid agreements with the Canadian Red Cross and the Salvation Army. These agreements outline financial supports for ensuring pre-positioned resources are available for the delivery of Emergency Social Services during disasters or emergencies.
"Today's agreements are designed to support these organizations to have pre-positioned resources
around the province to assist when needed. The Provincial Government is pleased to work with these
tremendous organizations which assist Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in emergency
situations."
- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
In times of emergency, these organizations provide supports that may include food, shelter, clothing, a reception centre, registration and inquiry, and personal services. Today, the Red Cross is receiving $50,000 for providing these emergency social services province-wide and the Salvation Army is receiving $5,000 for providing two services in select communities.
"The Canadian Red Cross has a century of experience and a unique mandate in Canada to assist governments
and the public in emergencies and disasters. Today's funding and agreement ensures we are able to train
volunteers and have necessary resources at hand when called upon to assist Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians."
- Rhonda Kenney, Provincial Director for Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Red Cross
The agreements were originally signed in 2000 and 2007. These updated agreements will now clarify expectations for response, provide established rates and have eligibility parameters clearly outlined.
"The Salvation Army is committed to helping the people of this province in a time of crisis and emergency.
These updated agreements will allow us to continue to help deliver personal services and food at key
locations when called upon."
- Aubrey Vincent Director, Emergency Disaster Services, the Salvation Army
The efforts provided by the Canadian Red Cross and the Salvation Army complement the assistance provided by the Provincial Government. Departments will continue to work with municipalities as well as provincial and federal partners to enhance the overall response and recovery to emergency events.
QUICK FACTS
- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, was in St. John's today to announce $55,000 in Fixed Amount funding for Emergency Social Services and to update Direct Aid agreements.
- The Red Cross will receive $50,000 to provide the six Emergency Social Services (reception centre management, registration and inquiry, emergency food, emergency lodging, emergency clothing, and personal services) province-wide.
- The Salvation Army will receive $5,000 to provide two Emergency Social Services (food and personal support) in select communities.
- The Direct Aid agreements are updated with expectations, established rates, and eligibility parameters clearly outlined.
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Media contacts:
|
Regan Power Media Relations Manager Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour 709-729-1795, 730-4435 reganpower@gov.nl.ca |
Dan Bedell Communications Director Atlantic Canada Canadian Red Cross 902.221.1086, 902.424.1411 dan.bedell@redcross.ca |
|
Aubrey Vincent Director, Emergency Disaster Services NL Division, Salvation Army 709-690-1162 aubrey_vincent@can.salvationarmy.org |
2016 12 14 10:50 a.m.