Canada Takes Proactive Approach to Potential Spring Flooding in Ontario

News Release

Investment of $1.4 Million in Emergency Preparedness and Training for Ontario First Nation Communities

April 15, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced that Canada has invested $1.4 million to make First Nation communities in Ontario safer and more secure through emergency planning and training.

This Harper Government support to the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC) helped First Nations in Ontario develop, update and test community emergency management plans, as well as hire and train First Nation members to work with their communities on emergency preparedness.

This funding is from the $19.1 million in annual funding announced by Minister Valcourt in November 2013 as part of a new, comprehensive approach to emergency management on reserve. The funds aim to assist First Nation communities with preparedness projects such as technical training for potential or existing emergency management officers.

Quick facts

The OFNTSC provides expert technical advisory services to many First Nations in Ontario. When it was created in 1995, it was the first Aboriginal organization in Canada mandated to provide professional technical and advisory services to First Nations’ communities and foster their technical self-reliance.
Discussions are currently underway between Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and provincial and territorial governments across Canada to provide First Nation communities with access to comparable emergency assistance available elsewhere in their province or territory.
Canada currently has an Emergency Management agreement in place with the Province of Alberta.

Quotes

"Our Government is working to keep Canadians safe; that’s why we took action to ensure that First Nations in Ontario are prepared for natural disasters and emergencies. This funding helped ensure that emergency plans were developed and tested and that staff received the training they need."
- Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"Our Government is taking a proactive approach to this seasons' spring flooding. These funds will go toward ensuring that First Nation communities in Ontario receive the emergency management services they need to protect the health and safety of their citizens."
- Greg Rickford,
Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

"The Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation strives to provide First Nations in the province with the technical advice and expertise they need to keep their communities functioning in a safe and healthy manner. A community’s ability to effectively prepare for and deal with emergencies they face from time to time is its most crucial function to protect lives and property. The OFNTSC welcomes this investment to increase our service to First Nations in Ontario."
- Brian Staats,
Operations Manager
Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation

Contacts

Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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Canada Takes Proactive Approach to Potential Spring Flooding in Ontario

News Release

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