OTTAWA, January 18, 2005 -- The Government of Canada today announced $850,000 to assist the Province of British Columbia in establishing a jointly-funded program to allow coastal communities to set up training, telecommunications and tsunami warning capabilities. This Government of Canada financial commitment includes $350,000 from Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC), and $500,000 from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). "The devastation left behind by the tsunami in Southeast Asia makes us realize just how crucial it is to be prepared to deal with such a tremendous force of nature," said the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Regional Minister for British Columbia. "In Canada, the funding announced today is an important step toward making significant improvements in planning and preparedness initiatives for communities in coastal British Columbia that are vulnerable to tsunamis." "The Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces and territories to ensure that communities are better prepared to deal with natural hazards and emergencies," said the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. "Working in partnership with First Nations and with the provincial government, we are supporting the efforts of over 70 First Nation communities in British Columbia to include tsunami preparedness as part of their emergency planning," said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. PSEPC will work with the Government of B.C. to ensure that vulnerable coastal communities in B.C. conduct tsunami risk assessments, prepare plans that include recommendations for communications and notification enhancement, and review best practices to deal with tsunami hazards. INAC will ensure that coastal First Nations communities in B.C. are similarly equipped with resources and supports for tsunami preparedness. The tsunami disaster in South East Asia has encouraged a global evaluation of research, monitoring and warning systems presently in place. The Government of Canada will ensure the application of the lessons learned in B.C. to Atlantic Canada. Protecting and preparing all Canadian communities for emergencies is a priority of the Government of Canada. A portion of the federal/provincial funds will be allocated toward conducting a series of expert workshops for potential tsunami-affected coastal communities in B.C. These workshops will take place on January 19 and 20, 2005. Following the workshops, the federal funding will also be used to implement initiatives aimed at addressing current gaps in tsunami preparedness. The information will be shared with other provinces looking to set up similar initiatives. Canada and other members of the international community participate in the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, which provides alerts for tsunamis on the west coast to the federal and BC governments. The Government of Canada and international partners are working together to extend existing coverage for tsunami warnings to provide global protection. The Government of Canada, through Natural Resources Canada operates a national seismograph network. It provides alerting of earthquake activity on or near Canadian territory. PSEPC recently released a study it commissioned entitled: An Assessment of the B.C. Tsunami Warning System and Related Risk Reduction Practices. The report findings indicate that reducing the level of tsunami risks to Canadians requires long-term support within coastal communities, including preparedness programs and planning tools. The study is available on the PSEPC Web site at www.psepc-sppcc.gc.ca . To help Canadians be better prepared for the types of emergencies they may face, PSEPC has a series of self-help brochures available on its Web site at www.psepc-sppcc.gc.ca . - 30 - For further information: Stéphanie Leblanc Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson Minister of Industry (613) 995-9001 Alex Swann Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Anne McLellan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency (613) 991-2863 Campbell Morrison Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (819) 997-0002 Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada Media Relations (613) 991-0657 Anne Thompson Communications Officer Indian and Northern Affairs Canada B.C. Region (604) 666-2869
