NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE PROGRAM PLAN 2006

ANNEX B

New SAR Initiatives Fund (NIF)

The SAR New Initiatives Fund (NIF) provides funding for new initiatives that will enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and economy of search and rescue (SAR) activities in Canada.

The NIF provides funding in six strategic areas:

Partnerships
Develop and strengthen partnerships to facilitate and enhance SAR prevention and response activities.

Multi-Jurisdictional Exercises
Participate in a program of multi-jurisdictional exercises with focus on areas of historical problems or future concern, and/or to confirm plans and procedures for SAR response activities.

Volunteers
Involve and maximize as appropriate the use of volunteers.

Technology and Innovation
Encourage the identification and development of best practices, innovation and/or new technologies to support SAR prevention and response activities.

Interoperability
Identify types and characteristics of SAR equipment, training and procedures that should be compatible and/or interoperable.

Data and information
Promote research and development and the collection and free exchange of information and data applicable to SAR prevention and response.

During 2005-2006, the SAR NIF, along with all federal government Grants and Contributions programs, had to renew the terms and conditions of the program with the Treasury Board in order to strengthen financial management and ensure fiscal prudence. The renewed terms and conditions for the contribution component of NIF were approved on August 30, 2005.

The renewal process resulted in some delays and following consultation with the funding partners, NSS decided not to issue a call letter for 2006-07, but to refresh the unfunded projects in the 2005-06 Merit List for possible funding in 2006-2007.

Initiatives are forwarded by either a federal SAR managing department/agency or by a provincial/territorial authority (e.g. Emergency Measures Organization (EMO)) and are evaluated individually and collectively by representatives of the partnering departments, agencies, provinces or territories based on their merit against competing proposals.

The Lead Minister for Search and Rescue approves the new projects to be funded each year, following a rigorous evaluation process of proposed projects by the NIF Merit Board, which includes representatives of ICSAR departments, and provinces and territories, and consideration by the Interdepartmental Committee on Search and Rescue (ICSAR). The list of approved projects is then posted on the NSS website.

The next call letter for new projects will be in spring 2006, for projects starting on April 1, 2007.