Canada is a country with unique characteristics. It is an immense land mass with 10 million square kilometers of sovereign territory; however, our relatively small population makes Canada one of the least densely populated countries in the world. An often extreme and always diverse climate creates a wide variety of possible emergencies and/or crises that can strike anywhere, anytime.

Canada needs emergency response that is capable of dealing with any emergency. It is impossible for one organization, government or otherwise, to maintain an adequate level of preparedness on its own.

That’s why the Canadian emergency preparedness necessarily includes all levels of government, agencies and non-governmental organizations. Canada’s emergency response is supported by partnerships with foreign governments and through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).