The commitments made in the SPP recognize that a disaster – whether natural or man-made – in one North American country can have consequences across international borders, and may demand a common approach to a broad spectrum of emergency management efforts, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Recent experiences with hurricanes, ice storms and industrial accidents have demonstrated the three countries’ interdependencies, as well as the value of international coordination, cooperation and assistance toward safeguarding people and their property.
Guided by the SPP, the three countries are reviewing emergency plans, examining capabilities and capacities, and seeking ways to better align approaches. Through such efforts, officials can work seamlessly and synonymously during a major emergency or disaster situation in one or more of the countries. Work is focussing on critical infrastructure protection for the transportation, energy and telecommunications sectors. Together, emergency managers on both sides of the border are also coordinating training and disaster simulations.
Collaborative planning and prevention strategies will help ensure reduced impact, coordinated response and faster recovery from disasters, whether public health, cyber, natural, human error or terrorist in nature.
Learn more about Canada’s SPP Working Groups
