Home Newsroom 2006 News releases 2006-05-08: Public Safety and the Canadian Red Cross sign important agreement

Public Safety and the Canadian Red Cross sign important agreement

OTTAWA, May 8, 2006 -- The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, and Dr. Pierre Duplessis, Secretary-General of the Canadian Red Cross today signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes the working relationship between the Department of Public Safety and the Canadian Red Cross.

“Organizations like the Canadian Red Cross are vital in supporting the Government of Canada in responding to emergencies,” said Minister Day. “This agreement underscores the government’s commitment to promoting a common approach to emergency management across the country.”

This Memorandum of Understanding establishes the relationship between the Department and the Red Cross. It ensures mutual collaboration in matters of emergency preparedness and prevention, as well as response and recovery. It specifically identifies how the Red Cross may assist the Government of Canada to:

• promote emergency preparedness and public awareness;
• participate in exercises and provide education and training related to emergency management; and
• promote a common approach to emergency management, including the adoption of standards and best practices.

“I am pleased to be signing this important agreement today, on World Red Cross Day,” said Dr. Duplessis. “It formalizes our unique collaboration with the Government of Canada and recognizes 100 years of Red Cross experience in the humanitarian field and in disaster management in Canada, and around the world. This agreement will enhance our joint commitment to Canadians to ensure preparedness, save lives and reduce suffering in times of disasters and other emergencies.”

This agreement allows Public Safety to better prepare and react to disasters across Canada and demonstrates the importance and continuing partnership between the Canadian Red Cross and the Government of Canada.

See also:

• Statement: Ministerial Statement on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
  

For further information:

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

Alice d’Anjou
Canadian Red Cross
(613) 740-1928