May 6, 1996
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

Federal and provincial contributions totalling $459,290 forJoint federal-provincial support will improve emergency preparedness in Newfoundland

joint emergency preparedness projects and programs in Newfoundland to be undertaken in the upcoming year were announced today by Arthur Reid, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, who is also minister responsible for Emergency Measures in Newfoundland, and Fred Mifflin, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and MP - Bonavista-Trinity- Conception.

The federal contribution of $269,320 announced by Mr. Mifflin on behalf of David Collenette, federal minister responsible for Emergency Preparedness, is made available under the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP). This program enables the federal government to contribute to, or to undertake jointly with the provinces and territories, emergency preparedness projects that ensure a reasonably uniform level of emergency preparedness and response across the country.

"As this is Emergency Preparedness Week," said Mr. Mifflin, "today's announcement is a timely reminder of the importance of the federal and provincial governments continuing to work together to ensure our communities are prepared to cope with virtually any emergency so lives and property can be protected."

Mr. Reid said: "Today's announcement demonstrates the federal government's continuing commitment to support local and provincial efforts to improve emergency preparedness and response in Newfoundland and Labrador communities. Planning, appropriate training, enhanced communications and cooperation among federal, provincial and local responders are essential to safeguarding lives and property in the event of a major emergency."

The largest share of the newly approved federal and provincial funds for joint projects has been earmarked for the Emergency Measures Organization for its ongoing emergency preparedness program that includes assisting municipalities to develop and test emergency plans, and operating a provincial emergency operations centre. The federal and provincial governments are each committing $99,975 in 1996-97 toward its program.

The federal and provincial government are also supporting a province-wide emergency preparedness training program to which the federal government is committing $84,575 and the provincial government $28,175 in l996-97. In addition, the provincial emergency social services training program receives a federal commitment of $34,500 and a provincial commitment of $28,175 toward courses in the upcoming year.

The other approved projects that have received commitments for federal and community funding totalling approximately $100,600 are to provide a variety of emergency communications equipment to five Newfoundland communities. The projects are all expected to be completed by March 31, 1997.

The federal JEPP commitment announced today was provided for in the March 1996 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This is an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

Since JEPP began in 1980, the federal government's contributions toward emergency preparedness projects in Newfoundland, including the commitments announced today, will total approximately $2.6 million by the end of this fiscal year.

Contact:

     Dave Snow                                       
     Regional Director                               
     Newfoundland and Labrador               
     Emergency Preparedness Canada         
     (709) 772-5522                                  
 
     or

     Gary Callahan
     Director of Public Relations
     Department of  Municipal and  Provincial Affairs
     (709) 729-3142