Premier Ensures Safety Issues are Raised at New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Meeting

Ensuring the safety of all Atlantic Canadians, especially Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, during disasters and emergency situations remains a top priority for the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. This important discussion centered around a presentation to the 37th Annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) by Newfoundland and Labrador's Fire and Emergency Services.

“Ensuring we have mutual assistance from our neighbours during emergencies is critical to all Premiers and Governors,” said Premier Dunderdale. “Our province is at the ready to lend support just as we know our eastern Canadian and New England colleagues are there if our province requires assistance during natural or man-made disasters. This willingness to help is evidence of our desire to protect the safety of all citizens. This type of collaboration needs to be in place for all types of emergencies – those on land, in the air, and on the sea.”

Newfoundland and Labrador co-chairs the International Emergency Management Group (IEMG) which ensures mutual assistance in managing an emergency or disaster among participating jurisdictions. Premier Dunderdale, along with her colleagues, reaffirmed their commitment to provide assistance as necessary to other IEMG member jurisdictions and recognized the important work of the IEMG and endorsed its continuation.

“Our province certainly recognizes the importance of safety supports both on land and especially at sea,” added Premier Dunderdale. “As a people that has historically made their living on the ocean, we need to know, if required, those safety supports are in place. That's why we fully support the work of the IEMG and we continue to advocate for reliable and effective federal Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities in our province. The Federal Government has a responsibility to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a search and rescue system they can rely on. We will continue to press this issue at every opportunity.”

The Provincial Government most recently outlined its concerns to the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, including opposition to the closures of the Marine Rescue Subcentre in St. John’s and Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres in St. Anthony and St. John’s. That submission can be found at www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2013/exec/0726n11SAR.pdf 

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2013 09 09                          4:30 p.m.