NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE PROGRAM PLAN 2006

PLANNING CONTEXT AND SYNOPSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN

Several issues have an impact on the delivery of SAR services in Canada. These issues have been identified in the 2005 SAR Environmental Scan as having implications on the National SAR Program and may need to be further monitored or addressed in the years ahead. An overview of key issues is outlined below. More detailed information is available in the Environmental Scan portion of the Strategic Directions Paper.

Seamless SAR and Interoperability Themes

SAR operations routinely involve more than one of the ICSAR Departments' resources, along with volunteer groups, and Provincial/Territorial and Municipal organizations. This is especially evident in larger scale incidents. Effective coordination of, and communications between, these various service providers will continue to present challenges. To move towards the goal of Seamless SAR, it is essential that the prevention and response activities of all stakeholders be aligned in a complementary manner.

Interoperability among SAR responders, particularly in communications, rescue equipment and procedures, including command and control structures, continues to be highlighted as a problem area in post-operations reports. Advances in communications technology have resulted in different types of systems, with incompatibility issues, in use by various agencies. The efficiency and effectiveness of a SAR response can be seriously hampered by problems of interoperability, representing an increased risk of serious injury or loss of life.

Canadian Forces Transformation

In 2005, the Chief of Defence Staff has undertaken to transform the Canadian Forces. This transformation is intended to enable the Canadian Forces to better meet the emerging security challenges and threats.

Given the interdependency prevailing within the Canadian SAR system, changes of this magnitude within the Canadian Forces have the potential to impact the National SAR Program. As such, it will be important to remain abreast of any changes to the Canadian Forces. This transformation may also allow for opportunities to enhance the links between the Canadian Forces and its SAR partners.

Canadian Coast Guard as a Special Operating Agency

The Canadian Coast Guard became a Special Operating Agency on 1 April 2005 following a government decision in December 2003. This change of status affirms the standing of the CCG as a national institution committed to excellence in Maritime services for Canadians.

It is important that the National SAR Program implications of the new SOA be addressed through the ICSAR mechanism, ensuring that the CCG SOA's substantial future commitments to Maritime SAR continue to be identified and funded.

Emergency Management and Public Safety

Delivering Emergency Management and Public Safety in Canada is challenged by the risks of the new environment. The threat environment is changing and nations around the world are experiencing more frequent and severe disasters. In 2005, floods in Alberta and Manitoba, the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and the Pakistan earthquake have had devastating effects, killing tens of thousands and costing hundreds of billions of dollars. Terrorist attacks from September 11, 2001 (Madrid, London, Bali), onward have become an unfortunate fact of life. Meanwhile, international health experts are warning that an influenza pandemic will inevitably emerge with effects so profound they could disable a nation's ability to govern. Responding to many of these types of emergencies requires robust search and rescue capabilities as part of an integrated national emergency management system.

The creation in December 2003 of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (PSEP) maximizes the Government of Canada's (GoC) ability to protect Canadians in the new threat environment by addressing the full range of issues - from personal safety to national security. Implementation of the 2004 National Security Policy is well underway and the PSEPC Act established the Department and its Minister's authority. As a component of the national emergency management system, the National Search and Rescue Program will benefit from this new emphasis on emergency management and public safety. Closer linkages between Canadian SAR and EM communities will further enhance both the National SAR Program and overall emergency management in Canada.

Marine Security

Securing Canada's coastline is a key plan in the National Security Policy. The National Security Policy sets out a plan to establish Marine Security Operations Centres (MSOCs), with two under CF command and one under RCMP command. They will be networked with the JRCC's, the Canadian Coast Guard's vessel traffic and communications system, and with the new Government Operations Centre in Ottawa. Additionally, new MSOCs are expected to work closely with the US Coast Guard Operations to provide a comprehensive picture of activities in Canada's contiguous waters.

To ensure the success of this initiative, the March 2005 budget announced $276 million for the Canadian Coast Guard to modernize its fleet of vessels. In addition, the Coast Guard has received funding to purchase four patrol vessels, which will jointly operated with the RCMP on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway for security purposes. This will have a significant positive effect on the National SAR Program, as modernization and additions to the fleet will provide more resources on the water that can respond as secondary SAR resources.

Northern Strategy

In December 2004, the Prime Minister with the three territorial Premiers presented a Framework for the Development of a Northern Strategy to significantly enhance the economic and social development of the North. The Framework included a draft vision for the North with suggested principles to guide the development of the strategy. Of particular interest was the objective of enhancing northern-based search and rescue capacity.

Alzheimer and Dementia

Most recent estimates show that there are approximately 420,600 Canadians over 65 who suffer from Alzheimer and related dementia. By 2011, it is expected that the number of new cases per year will rise from the current 94,270 to 111,560. Currently the Alzheimer's Society of Canada and RCMP operate a voluntary 'Safely Home Registry' which has been in operation for over 10 years. This registry currently holds 20,149 registrants. In 2004 there were 3,662 new registrants. Anecdotal evidence indicates that approximately 60% of missing person calls involve individuals with Alzheimer's and related dementias. This may result in increased tasking for SAR organizations involved in searching for missing persons

Technology Use in SAR

The growing use of technology in everyday life makes its applications to SAR planning, command and control and post operation evaluations a natural progression. From laptop computers with high processing capabilities and long battery life to mobile GPS with direct interface to software, the use of technology can provide great benefits for SAR.

Outdoor Recreation in Canada

Canadians' participation in recreational activities has continued to rise over the last few years. Half of all Canadians are involved in water-based recreation: sailing, power boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and diving. It is expected that recreation in Canada will continue to rise, therefore putting more pressure on the SAR system and resources.

Global Warming

The effects of global warming and climate change continue to be felt across Canada. All regions of the country are expected to endure increased incidents of extreme weather such as thunder, hailstorms and freezing rain. This extreme weather may lead to larger numbers and increased severity of SAR-related incidents nationwide. Recent studies also indicate a shrinking of the polar ice cap, which should lead to increased maritime activities in the Arctic. This could lead to pressure to base more SAR resources in the north.

Increase in Cell Phone Use

Recognizing the increase use of cellular telephones, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) updated its 9-1-1 regulations regarding cellular carriers. Cellular providers now have to provide Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) to all of their subscribers.

E9-1-1 is a tremendous asset and tool for SAR but it gives a false sense of security to the public. People may be led to feel that as long as they have a cell phone they are safe. However due to issues such as coverage gaps and battery failure the public must be made aware that cell phones can be useful but should not be the sole means of emergency communication.