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Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister on the occasion of Emergency Preparedness Week

Ottawa, May 1, 2005 -- The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today issued this statement relating to Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada; May 1-7, 2005.

“This year, the theme of Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week is ‘Prepare Now! Learn How!’ It is important for families to develop, review and practice their emergency plans. Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility and it’s the best way to reduce the potential effects of an emergency on you and your loved ones.

We know from experience that individuals who are prepared can make a difference during an emergency. In fact, everyone -- governments, industry, volunteers, families, individuals -- should take the necessary steps to be ready for emergency situations. I encourage you to prepare by:

• becoming aware of risks in your regions;
• obtaining information that will help you prepare; and
• taking steps to safeguard your family, your home and your workplace.

The Government of Canada takes emergency preparedness seriously. That’s why we are committed to programs such as the federal/provincial/territorial Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP), which provides first responders, police, fire and medical personnel with increased capacity to respond to emergencies.

JEPP funding of more than $5 million is being provided to communities across all 10 provinces and three territories this year to purchase emergency response equipment, develop emergency plans and conduct training exercises, plus an additional $3 million to increase Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) capacities in major Canadian cities. These funds assist first responders and municipalities to respond to emergencies, no matter their cause.

EP Week is coordinated nationally through Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, in cooperation with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations and the municipal partners.”

A variety of materials on how families can prepare for emergencies are available at www.epweek.ca. Information on JEPP and other federal emergency preparedness initiatives are available by calling 1-800-0-CANADA. 

For more information:

Alex Swann
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Anne McLellan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863

Media Relations
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
(613) 991-0657