The agreement signed with St. John Ambulance to launch Emergency Preparedness Week

Remarks by
The Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety

Saint-Lazare, Quebec
May 7, 2007
As delivered

Thank you very much, Mayor. This isn't my first time visiting, yet I'm impressed by the city's beauty every time. I've always thought that my riding in British Columbia was the most beautiful, but it has found a rival in your wonderful region.

I'm proud to be here to launch Emergency Preparedness Week and to mark the great work St. John Ambulance is doing. It's very important for us to have people and organizations in our communities that can meet our needs, especially in emergencies.

As you know, our government cares about the needs of our citizens, particularly when it comes to safety and security. This is why our 2006 budget includes $38 million in funding to help the federal government work with the provinces, with municipalities and with organizations, such as St. John Ambulance, when disaster strikes.

It's also for this reason that we're signing an agreement with St. John Ambulance today to strengthen the cooperation between the federal government and this major organization.

I'd like to point out just how important it is for each and every family and all Canadians to be prepared to look after themselves during the first 72 hours in an emergency.

This is absolutely necessary so that workers, professionals and volunteers reporting for duty during an emergency can help people who are injured or have other very urgent needs.

As a result, we encourage all Canadians to prepare an emergency kit, such as the one developed by the Government of Canada in cooperation with our partners: St. John Ambulance, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and provincial and territorial governments.

I have two such kits: one in the car and one at home. I encourage you to do the same.

We also have a Web site called, "Getprepared.ca," where you can find other good ideas to prepare for an emergency.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today. And a special thank you to all individuals and organizations looking after us in emergencies. We need you.

Thank you.