Municipal Affairs
May 9, 2016

Strengthening Safety for Families and Communities

Minister Joyce Co-Chairs FPT Talks on Emergency Management in Canada

Emergency management planning and the importance of strengthening search and rescue capabilities in marine environments were among the issues discussed as federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for emergency management met Friday, May 6, in Toronto. The Honourable Ralph Goodale, federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, co-chaired the meeting.

"Our meeting was very timely considering the devastating wildfires in Alberta and it emphasized the importance of having effective working relationships between the Federal Government and the provinces and territories. The meeting allowed leaders from across the country to share information and best practices. I look forward to hosting the next meeting in Newfoundland and Labrador next year."
- The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador

One of the key actions derived from the discussions was a commitment to enhance the Emergency Management Framework and develop an Emergency Management Plan for Canada by the next meeting in 2017. As part of this discussion, the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities-Newfoundland and Labrador's inclusive emergency planning guide was shared. The province also presented on enhancing and strengthening search and rescue in marine environments.

"People in our province rely on search and rescue services, including those working in the fishery, offshore oil and gas and marine transportation. Maintaining and enhancing a responsive search and rescue capability remains a priority for the province, and the Federal Government is committed to‎ strengthening search and rescue across the country."
- Minister Joyce

During a discussion on public safety communication, the Federal Government also expressed a willingness to explore, in cooperation with the private sector, whether there are options to expand cellular coverage in underserviced areas in order to improve emergency communications.

Each provincial and territorial jurisdiction in Canada has a responsibility for emergency management and public safety. For more information on these discussions, please visit www.scics.gc.ca/english/Conferences.asp?a=viewdocument&id=2424

QUICK FACTS:

• Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for emergency management met Friday, May 6, in Toronto.
• The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Ralph Goodale, federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, co-chaired the meeting.
• Ministers committed to updating the Emergency Management Framework and developing an Emergency Management Plan by 2017.
• The Federal Government committed to strengthening search and rescue capabilities across Canada and indicated a willingness to explore options, in collaboration with the private sector, to expand cellular coverage in underserviced areas.

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Media contacts:

Meghan Drover Media Relations Manager Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 690-1810 meghandrover@gov.nl.ca

Heather May Director of Communications Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-1983, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2016 05 09                              4:35 p.m.