First-ever recipients of Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award announced

News release

May 24, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Public Safety Canada

When disaster strikes and emergencies arise, Canadians rely on emergency management professionals and volunteers to keep them safe.

Today, Public Safety Canada hosted the inaugural award ceremony which recognizes exceptional service and achievement in emergency management across Canada. The prestigious Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award (EMESA), delivered collaboratively by provincial, territorial and federal governments, is awarded to individuals or groups that have distinguished themselves through exemplary actions and contributions to advancing emergency management.

This year’s award recipients span every province and territory and represent a variety of professions in the emergency management community: from emergency management professionals and volunteers across all levels of government to leaders from Indigenous communities, non-governmental organizations, youth, academia, and associations. Contributions being recognized range from improving communications and response in times of disaster, increasing community resilience, delivering search and rescue training, and many more.

Quotes

“Across Canada, there are many individuals and groups working hard to keep us safe who often go unnoticed. The recipients recognized today have not only achieved excellence in their field, they have helped keep us safe and resilient. I’m grateful to provinces and territories for their collaboration to recognize these leaders nationally for the first time, and look forward to working with them to award this prestigious honour to deserving individuals across Canada each year.”

- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“Disaster can strike at any time and we have seen that the unthinkable can happen. During these times of distress, Canadians across the country have come together to support one another. These awards honour many great Canadians and communities who work so hard to keep all of us safe, respond when emergencies happen and help us recover from these traumatic events. On behalf of all the provinces and territories – thank you”

- The Honourable Shaye Anderson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister responsible for the Alberta Emergency Management Agency

Quick facts

  • The development and launch of this recognition program was a joint partnership between federal, provincial and territorial governments as agreed to by the F/P/T Ministers responsible for emergency management in May 2017.

  • The EMESA spans five categories:

    • Resilient Communities;
    • Youth;
    • Search and Rescue Volunteers;
    • Search and RescueEmployees; and
    • Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Management
  • Award recipients were presented with a medallion which features an emblem created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority.  The emblem was designed to be relevant across all disciplines, all levels of government, all hazards and all regions.  Symbolism includes: protection and safety, hazards and resilience, and Canada. The emblem will be included in the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada.

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Contacts

Scott Bardsley
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-998-5681
scott.bardsley@canada.ca

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
|613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca

Lauren Arscott
Press Secretary
Alberta Municipal Affairs
780-717-1438

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