Grateful as We Kick-Start Emergency Preparedness Week 2026

With Emergency Preparedness Week 2026 in full swing, it is an important reminder for Canadians everywhere to be prepared and understand the risks facing our communities. Emergencies are becoming more frequent, more severe, and more costly—and preparedness has never been more important.

We’re encouraged to see the Government of Canada continuing to strengthen emergency management capacity across the country through several key investments aimed at improving response readiness and community resilience.

Strengthening Canada’s Emergency Response Capacity

This year’s federal investments include:

• $108 million to renew the Humanitarian Workforce Program, supporting trained civilian responders across Canada
• $1.93 million to advance search and rescue initiatives, including:

  • Culturally informed prevention programs in Indigenous and remote communities
  • Development of national standards for volunteer canine search and rescue teams

These initiatives represent meaningful progress toward a stronger, more coordinated emergency management system that supports communities when they need it most.

Emergency Management Is a Shared Responsibility

Preparedness and response efforts depend on strong collaboration between governments, volunteers, and community organizations. Partnerships with organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross, The Salvation Army, St. John Ambulance, Team Rubicon Canada, and SARVAC play a critical role in keeping Canadians safe during emergencies and disasters.

As our President, Janelle Coultes, shared:

“Search and Rescue volunteers are the backbone of response capacity… this funding helps ensure they are trained, equipped, and ready to respond when needed. Together, these efforts will strengthen a more coordinated, inclusive, and resilient search and rescue system in Canada.”

Take Time to Prepare

Emergency Preparedness Week is a great opportunity for all of us to take practical steps to prepare ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Whether it’s updating an emergency kit, creating a household emergency plan, or learning more about local risks, preparedness helps build safer and more resilient communities across Canada.

For more information on the Government of Canada’s announcement, visit:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2026/05/government-of-canada-marks-emergency-preparedness-week-and-strengthens-federal-emergency-management.html