Home Newsroom 2006 News releases 2006-05-08: FAQ -- Tabling of the proposed Emergency Management Act

FAQ -- Tabling of the proposed Emergency Management Act

• Why was a new Act required?
• Isn't the Government of Canada already prepared for emergencies?
• Why was the Emergencies Act (EA) not part of this review?
• When will the new Act come into force?
• Don’t individuals/municipalities/provinces have the responsibility to look after emergencies and when does the federal government step in?
• Are there any new powers provided to the Minister of Public Safety by the proposed EMA?
• Why does the Access to Information Act require amendment as a result of the proposed Emergency Management Act?
• What is the role of the Government Operations Centre (GOC) during an emergency?

Why was a new Act required?

• The Emergency Preparedness Act establishes civil emergency planning and preparedness as key government responsibilities; outlines roles for the Minister of Public Safety and all other Ministers; provides for federal-provincial cooperation; and enables post-disaster financial assistance to provinces. This will not change.

• The purpose of the proposed Emergency Management Act is to strengthen the readiness posture of the Government of Canada to mitigate the impact of, prevent or prepare for, and respond to all hazards in Canada.  It recognizes that emergency management in an evolving risk environment requires a collective and concerted approach between all jurisdictions including the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

• In an emergency, clear roles and responsibilities are vital to saving lives and mitigating other damage. 

• The proposed Act is welcomed by the provinces and territories as it enhances the Government of Canada’s collaboration with other jurisdictions.

Isn't the Government of Canada already prepared for emergencies?

• The current Emergency Preparedness Act provides for emergency planning, federal provincial cooperation and post-disaster financial assistance.  This will not change.  The proposed Emergency Management Act will strengthen the Government of Canada’s response to emergencies through enhanced planning activities under a standardized framework and a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities of federal Ministers.

• The proposed EMA will ensure that the federal response to an emergency is coordinated and harmonized with other jurisdictions. It will also enable the establishment of a national emergency management system based on the elements of mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

Why was the Emergencies Act (EA) not part of this review?

• The Emergencies Act is intended for use in extraordinary circumstances as an instrument of last resort. It specifies the strict and limited conditions under which the federal government can adopt temporary special measures in consultation with provincial and territorial governments and with parliamentary consent.

• The EA is intended for use in response to the urgent and direct consequences of a national emergency. It can only be invoked if the situation cannot be effectively dealt with under any other law of Canada.

When will the new Act come into force?

• The proposed Emergency Management Act is being introduced to the House of Commons on May 8, 2006. If passed by the House of Commons and the Senate, it will be presented for Royal Assent.  It will come into force on a day fixed by the Governor in Council.

• When an emergency does occur, people normally see to their own safety, to the extent possible, and then seek assistance from local and provincial or territorial governments if necessary. If an emergency moves beyond their capabilities, those governments in turn seek federal assistance.

• Federal assistance, when requested, may entail the coordination of supplies and services for response and recovery activities, the assistance of federal government personnel, or the allocation of financial assistance to the provinces or territories.

Are there any new powers provided to the Minister of Public Safety by the proposed EMA?

• Yes, under the proposed EMA, the Minister of Public Safety will exercise leadership at the national level for emergency management by:
  • Coordinating the federal response to emergencies in Canada and to the U.S.;
  • Establishing standardized elements for emergency plans within the Government of Canada;
  • Monitoring, evaluating and testing the robustness of EM plans of federal institutions;
  • Enhancing cooperation with other jurisdictions and entities by promoting common standards and information sharing.

Why does the Access to Information Act require amendment as a result of the proposed Emergency Management Act?

• Within the proposed Emergency Management Act, the Access to Information Act is being amended. This is to give clear protection to information provided in confidence to the Government of Canada that, if disclosed, would expose the vulnerability of critical infrastructures or security measures in place for its protection.

What is the role of the Government Operations Centre (GOC) during an emergency?

• The GOC coordinates the federal response to an emergency in support of provincial/territorial and municipal efforts. The GOC works on a 24/7 basis.

• The GOC already has established close links with provincial emergency management organizations throughout the country and in the U.S. and has collaborated on different types of emergencies since its creation in April 2004.

See also:

• Minister Day launches Emergency Preparedness Week
• Introduction of the proposed Emergency Management Act
• Emergency preparedness and you