Minister Day announces the new Emergency Management Act
Ottawa, August 7, 2007 – Today, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, made the following statement to mark the Emergency Management Act (EMA) coming into force on August 3, 2007.
"The priority of Canada's New Government is the safety and security of all Canadians. When an emergency strikes, lives are at stake and an effective response depends on clear roles and responsibilities. I am pleased to announce that Parliament has passed and brought into force the new Emergency Management Act," said Minister Day.
The new Act strengthens the Government of Canada's readiness to respond to all types of major emergencies, and updates our emergency management system for the 21st century.
The EMA gives responsibility to the Minister of Public Safety to provide national leadership by coordinating the Government of Canada's response to major emergencies.
It establishes clear roles and responsibilities in the case of an emergency.
The Act also enhances collaborative emergency management and improves information sharing with other levels of government as well as the private sector.
"The Emergency Management Act will greatly enhance the partnership that already exists between industry and the Government of Canada, as the protection accorded to information provided by industry to government will allow for a far greater depth of collaboration," said Mr. Francis Bradley, Vice President of the Canadian Electricity Association.
With this new Act, Canada will have a more comprehensive and harmonized approach to emergency management, and will be in a better position to respond to emergencies, confront new threats and protect our communities.
See also:
Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863