Government of Canada Announces the Federal Emergency Response Plan

"The Federal Emergency Response Plan will help ensure the Government of Canada's response to an emergency is seamless, and that key decisions can be made quickly when disasters strike," said Minister Toews. "Canadians can be assured that we have the right plan and the right decision-making structures in place in the event of an emergency."

"The plan is designed to coordinate the federal emergency response effort with those of the provincial and territorial governments as well as the private sector and non-governmental organizations. Our goal is to ensure the protection and safety of Canadians," added Mr. Petit.

This year Canada has hosted the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and will host the G8 and G20 meetings and the North American Leaders' Summit. Canadians and visitors to Canada can be confident that the Government of Canada is ready to collaborate effectively with its partners to respond to any emergency.

The Federal Emergency Response Plan was developed by Public Safety Canada in consultation with other federal departments. It has been formally approved by the Government of Canada along with the Federal Policy for Emergency Management, which outlines Canada's emergency management policy and provides a framework for emergency management at the federal level. This policy details the emergency management roles and responsibilities of federal institutions derived from existing legislative authorities.

For more information on the FERP and its guidelines, please visit Public Safety Canada's website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

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