May 5, 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 provided training to help ensure Quebec First Nations are prepared in case of wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.
The Government of Canada provided $288,500 toward several different emergency management initiatives, including:
- Canadian Red Cross training programs in French and English on evacuations and services to those affected by emergencies;
- training on the Incident Command System and running an Emergency Operations Centre;
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (CESAM) training on risk management and emergency planning for First Nations;
- forest fire risk assessment and forest fire suppression training from Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU); and,
- development by Campus Notre-Dame de Foy of a basic course on emergency operations centres and an exercise plan for those in charge of community emergency management.
This investment is funded 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 reserves. The funds aim to assist First Nation communities with projects such as emergency management training and planning.
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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