Compendium of U.S. - Canada Emergency Management Assistance Mechanisms
National-level acts, agreements, frameworks, guidance, plans, and procedures
April 2022
Table of contents
Note on Third Edition
Canada and the United States share a border of more than 8,800 kilometers covering land and water, towns, and unpopulated areas. Our countries share bonds of history, culture, and commerce. We also share a commitment to cooperation in emergency management. Under the auspices of the U.S.-Canada Emergency Management Consultative Group, Canada and the United States have, since 2012, maintained this Compendium of U.S.-Canada Emergency Management Assistance Mechanisms that catalogues various federal mechanisms governing emergency management within and across our two countries.
The purposes of this Compendium are:
- To raise awareness of national-level acts, agreements, frameworks, guidance, plans, and procedures that inform cross-border emergency management at the federal level.
- To facilitate communication, coordination, and the movement of Federal-to-Federal assistance resources.
- To assist emergency management officials in the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States with better understanding each country’s policies on providing and receiving emergency assistance.
This third edition of the Compendium builds on the second by reflecting the ever-changing emergency management environment and includes updated information. The Compendium should not be considered an exhaustive or authoritative list of emergency management mechanisms in Canada or the United States. The U.S.-Canada Emergency Management Consultative Group Secretariat welcomes suggestions for additions to the Compendium. Suggestions may be sent to FEMA at fema-international@fema.dhs.gov or Public Safety Canada at interoperability@ps-sp.gc.ca.
This Compendium is being released as our two governments continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We honor the commitment of first responders, health professionals, and border officials in Canada and the United States who have stood on the front lines in the response to COVID-19.
U.S.-Canada Emergency Management Consultative Group Co-Chairs:
Serena Hoy
Assistant Secretary
Office of International Affairs
Office of Strategy, Policy & Plans
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Trevor Bhupsingh
Assistant Deputy Minister
Emergency Management and
Programs Branch
Public Safety Canada
Input Elements
The summaries contained in this Compendium were compiled through online and archival research and discussions with international and interagency colleagues. Targeted information sought for each summary includes the elements below. Not all summaries will include every input element.
- Name – formal and any informal name or title(s) of the act, authority, agreement, framework, plan, policy, procedure, or program.
- Date Established – date or timeframe established; for agreements, this is the date on which they entered into force, and for non-legally binding arrangements, this is the date on which they became effective.
- Type – e.g., act, agreement, framework, plan, policy, procedure, program, guidance, etc.
- Hazard Type
- Scope/Function
- Web Link
- Lead Organization(s)
- Activation and Implementation – a description, where applicable, of how an act, authority, agreement, framework, plan, policy, procedure, or program would become “activated” or initiated and then implemented.
- Communication and Coordination – how information is shared between responsible parties, the nature of that information, and modes of coordination.
- Administration and Liability – e.g., duties, rights, privileges, and/or immunities afforded to the agents of any mutual assistance; financial arrangements; certifications, licenses, permits, and/or other qualifications; effects on other laws/authorities; waivers or indemnification.
Joint U.S.-Canada Mechanisms
Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America on Emergency Management Cooperation
Date Established
Entered into force July 7, 2009. Supersedes the 1986 Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America on Cooperation in Comprehensive Civil
Emergency Planning and Management, which superseded the Canada United States Agreement concerning Civil Emergency Planning from 1967.
Type
Agreement
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
This agreement establishes a Consultative Group on Emergency Cooperation between Canada and the United States. This Group is provided broad authority to work on emergency management topics affecting both the United States and Canada including those involving mutual aid.
The agreement also identifies general principles of cooperation, subject to domestic laws, as a guide for civil emergency authorities. These principles include using best efforts to facilitate the movement of evacuees and emergency personnel and equipment, avoiding levying Federal taxes on services, equipment and supplies engaged in emergency activities in the territory of the other, etc.
Web Link
http://www.treaty - accord.gc.ca/text - texte.aspx?id=105173
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/09-707-Canada-Emergency-Management-Cooperation.pdf
Lead Organizations
Global Affairs Canada
Public Safety Canada
U.S. Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Policy
Activation & Implementation
This is a standing agreement that does not identify any specific activators. Principles to support the implementation of emergency activities are identified.
Communication & Coordination
The agreement contains no specific procedures for communicating or coordinating among the parties for Federal level mutual assistance.
Canada – United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (JCP)
Date Established
1983, with updates in 1984, 1986, 1990, 2003, 2013, and 2017
Type
Plan
Hazard Type
Marine pollution incidents threatening the adjacent waters of both countries
Scope/Function
Provides a framework for Canada-United States cooperation in response to marine pollution incidents threatening the adjacent waters of both countries or major incidents in one country where the assistance of the neighboring country is required. Provisions and procedures referenced in the JCP and its regional annexes are intended to supplement each country’s national response system and provide a “bridge” between the two systems. The JCP addresses planning and preparedness, including exercises and training, operational concepts, including notification and coordinated response, funding, and reporting.
Implementation of the JCP is the joint responsibility of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The JCP is tested every two years through exercises. The JCP divides the international maritime boundary into five geographic regions. Each region is governed by a regional annex within the JCP, which defines the jurisdiction, roles, and response procedures of regulatory and support agencies.
Web Link
Lead Organizations
Canadian Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard
Activation & Implementation
Section 102.1 of the JCP indicates that activation entails the “initiation of bilateral coordination (through a formal response between representatives of the applicable JCP annex) during a pollution incident.” Section 102.7 indicates that deactivation entails the “termination of bi-lateral coordinated response operations.” Appendix 3 of the JCP details regional lead representatives who would likely help coordinate the response. Appendix 5 contains the agreed upon documentation to activate and deactivate the JCP. Geographic annexes to the JCP include specific notification and implementation procedures.
Communication & Coordination
Liaison officer information may be found in section 202.7, “the liaison officer provides a conduit of information and assistance between organizations/ agencies within each country’s command post.” With the 2017 update to the JCP, the creation of the International Coordinating Officer position provides a more seamless approach to command-level coordination during a response. Additional details may be found in Appendix 6 of the JCP. Each regional annex also covers topics such as response coordination, communications, reporting systems, and points of contact.
Administration & Liability
Funding is the responsibility of each Party and is addressed in section 800 of the JCP.
Canada-U.S. First Responders and Detection Research and Development (R&D) Collaboration
Date Established
October, 2018
Type
Framework
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
Provides a coordination body for R&D in support of the public safety community, and ensures complementary investment in science and technology. As U.S. and Canada first responders have overlapping operational and technical requirements, joint research, development, testing, and evaluation help better meet needs at lower overall costs.
Previous collaborations include the Canada-U.S. Enhanced Resiliency Experiment (CAUSE) series, the AUDREY-Hastings County Experiment, Smart Firefighter Workshop series, and the Next Generation First Responder joint requirements assessment.
In 2019, working groups were established for these specific areas: Advanced Decision Support for Public Safety, Cross-Border User Interoperability, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Detection.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organizations
Defence Research and Development Canada Centre for Security Science
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate
Activation & Implementation
Not applicable
Communication & Coordination
Monthly meetings, biannual workshops, and regular working group meetings to jointly identify and address priority bi-national R&D needs within the emergency management, first responder, and detection domains.
Administration & Liability
Refer to Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation in Science and Technology for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Border Security
Agreement on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic
Date Established
January 19, 2013
Type
Agreement
Hazard Type
Not specified; Agreement concerns aeronautical and maritime search and rescue (SAR) cooperation and coordination in the Arctic.
Scope/Function
This agreement coordinates international SAR coverage and response in the Arctic and establishes the area of SAR responsibility for each Party. The delimitations of the aeronautical and maritime search and rescue regions relevant to this Agreement are specified in paragraph 1 of the Annex to this Agreement. The area in which each Party shall apply this Agreement is set forth in paragraph 2 of the Annex to this Agreement.
The Parties shall ensure that assistance be provided to any person in distress. They shall do so regardless of the nationality or status of such a person or the circumstances in which that person is found; and a Party shall promptly provide all relevant information regarding the search and rescue of any person to the consular or diplomatic authorities concerned.
The 1979 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention) and the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention) are the bases for conducting search and rescue operations under this Agreement.
Web Link
http://hdl.handle.net/11374/531
Lead Organizations
- Canada:
- Canadian Armed Forces; Canadian Coast Guard;
- United States:
- U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Department of Defense;
- Russian Federation:
- Federal Air Transport Agency; Federal Agency for Marine and River Transport;
- Denmark:
- Danish Maritime Authority; Danish Transport Authority; Ministry of Fisheries – Faroe Islands;
- Sweden:
- Swedish Maritime Administration;
- Finland:
- Finnish Border Guard;
- Norway:
- Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, Northern Norway (JRCC NN Bodø)
- Iceland:
- Icelandic Coast Guard
Activation & Implementation
Activation and implementation of search and rescue operations under this Agreement is detailed in Article 7 of the Agreement. Concerning activation, Article 7 specifies that:
“if a search and rescue agency and/or aeronautical and/or maritime rescue coordination center of a Party receives information that any person is, or appears to be, in distress, that Party shall take urgent steps to ensure that the necessary assistance is provided;”
Implementation of the Agreement involves a number of considerations that are further detailed in the document itself.
Communication & Coordination
A Party shall promptly provide all relevant information regarding the search and rescue of any person to the consular or diplomatic authorities concerned.
Communication & Coordination
The Competent Authorities of the Parties are specified in Appendix I to the Agreement. Each Party shall promptly inform the other Parties in writing through diplomatic channels of any changes regarding its Competent Authorities. The agencies responsible for aeronautical and maritime search and rescue, hereinafter referred to as "search and rescue agencies", are specified in Appendix II to this Agreement. Each Party, through its Competent Authorities, shall promptly inform the other Parties of any changes regarding its search and rescue agency or agencies.
Administration & Liability
Unless otherwise agreed, each Party shall bear its own costs deriving from its implementation of this Agreement. Implementation of this Agreement shall be subject to the availability of relevant resources.
Arrangement on Mutual Assistance in Fighting Forest Fires
Date Established
May 7, 1982 (exchange of notes);
Type
Agreement & Plan
Hazard Type
Wildland fire
Scope/Function
To facilitate mutual assistance in wildland fire between Canada and the United States.
Web Link
https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/International_Agreements.html
Lead Organizations
United States Coordinating Authority:
- National Interagency Coordinating Center (NICC)
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
Canadian Coordinating Authority:
- Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC)
Activation & Implementation
Requests for assistance under the operating plan are carried out through the countries respective Coordinating Authorities, the NICC and CIFFC.
Communication & Coordination
The operating plan addresses requests for assistance, designating officials, information to supply to Customs & Immigration port(s) of entry, and information to include in situation reporting. The operating plan also includes a “Directory of Designated Officials,” updated annually.
Administration & Liability
The operating plan provides specific guidance on invoicing, payment, and reimbursement. The arrangement’s diplomatic notes explicitly identify responsible parties for damages, losses, injury compensation and death benefits. Sec. 3.(2)(B) of the U.S. Wildfire Suppression Assistance Act requires agreements “include waiver by each party to the agreement of all claims against every other party to the agreement for compensation for any loss, damage, personal injury, or death occurring in consequence of the performance of such agreement.”
Canada – United States Mutual Assistance Concept of Operations in Response to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Incident
Date Established
January 2017
Type
Concept of Operations (CONOPS)
Hazard Type
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Incident
Scope/Function
The beyond-the-border Mutual Assistance CONOPS is designed to provide an overview of how Canada and the U.S. will coordinate mutual assistance request(s) related to major CBRNE events. This document does not provide operational details or specific plans to address CBRNE threats. Instead, the CONOPS has been written at the strategic level in order to provide guidance to the governments of Canada and the U.S. about mutual assistance coordination in preparation of, or in response to, an ongoing incident, planned event, or exercise, without restricting their operational options.
In addition, the CONOPS outlines how the two countries can coordinate joint training opportunities, a key component of being able to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from a CBRNE event that could affect both countries.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organizations
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Public Safety Canada
Activation & Implementation
By nature, CBRNE events trigger a multi-mandate whole-of government response. It is understood that in the event that this mutual assistance CONOPS is implemented, the requesting country requires resources that are currently unavailable or insufficient. While within the sovereign territory of the requesting country, the provided resource(s) will be utilized according to the requesting country’s priorities. It is understood that the country providing assistance retains the ability to evaluate whether or not specific support can be delivered based upon the current threat conditions and how the effect on their nation may draw on high demand, low density assets.
Communication & Coordination
The Canada-United States Mutual Assistance Concept of Operations in Response to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Incident will undergo an evaluation every five years. Further exercise detail will be provided by individual exercise specifications and directives that will be issued through separate correspondence. Proposed modifications to the CONOPS are to be approved by both parties and such modifications are to become operative on a date that is jointly determined.
Canada – U.S. Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan (the “Inland” Plan)
Date Established
1985, with updates in 1994 and 2009
Type
Plan
Hazard Type
Pollution incidents threatening 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) of the inland boundary on either side.
Scope/Function
Provides for a cooperative mechanism for preparedness for and response to pollution incidents that cause, or may cause, damage to the environment along the inland boundary or may constitute a threat to public safety, security, health, welfare, or property. The Inland Plan may also facilitate the provision of assistance when only one country is affected, but the pollution incident is of such magnitude to justify a request for assistance from the other country.
The Inland Plan divides the international boundary into five Regional planning areas and includes Regional Annexes that include, among other matters, the definition of the jurisdiction, roles, and response procedures of regulatory and support agencies within specific regions of each country. Each Regional Annex may also cover such topics as notification procedures, response operations and coordination with all levels of government, industry, non-governmental organizations, customs and immigration, health and safety, and updating and exercising schedule among other topics. The current five Regional planning areas are:
- The combined inland boundary of the Yukon Territory and British Columbia with Montana, Alaska, Washington, Idaho -- CANUSWEST;
- The combined inland boundary of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba with Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota -- CANUSPLAIN;
- The combined inland boundary of Ontario with New York, Minnesota, Michigan -- CANUSCENT;
- The combined inland boundary of Quebec with Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York -- CANUSQUE; and
- The combined inland boundary of New Brunswick with Maine -- CANUSEAST.
Web Link
https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response/us-canada-joint-inland-pollution-contingency-plan
Lead Organizations
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Activation & Implementation
Section 501 of the Inland Plan may be activated by the Regional Joint Response Team Co-chair from the country of origin of the significant pollution incident, after consultation with and consent from the Regional Joint Response Team Co-chair from the other country and both International Joint Advisory Team Co-chairs. This activation would take place if the pollution incident is accompanied by a substantial threat of the spread of a pollutant into the inland boundary of the other country or such spreading has already occurred, or if the pollution incident is of sufficient magnitude to justify a request for assistance from the other country.
The appropriate Regional Joint Response Team Co-chair may activate the Inland Plan through a telephone message. The telephone message is to be followed by a written activation message (fax or email). The standard format for the written activation message as well as the activation diagram can be found in Appendix F.
In cases of radiological incidents, the Inland Plan is to work in conjunction with the Canada-United States Joint Radiological Emergency Response Plan (JRERP) administered by Public Safety Canada and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, respectively.
Communication & Coordination
Upon receipt of an Inland Plan activation message, the International Joint Advisory Team Co-chairs are to notify their respective foreign relations departments that a significant pollution incident has occurred or has the potential to occur. The Inland Plan applies to all pollution incidents along the inland boundary that have the potential for transboundary effects, and provides for a binational coordination mechanism to ensure appropriate and effective cooperative preparedness and response measures between Canada and the United States with respect to significant pollution incidents along the inland boundary. In addition, it addresses notification, activation, and deactivation procedures. Sections 600 and 700 address situation reports and public information. A diagram of the Binational Concept of Operations can be found in Appendix B.
Administration & Liability
Procedures for customs and immigration clearances for response resources are outlined in each Inland Plan Regional Annex.
Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan (CAP)
Date Established
February 14, 2008 (renewed January 25, 2012)
Type
Plan
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function(s)
Section 1 of the CAP contains information on the plan’s scope and function: “The purpose of the CAP is to provide a framework for the military of one nation to provide support to the military of the other nation while in the performance of civil support operations to the primary agency (e.g., floods, forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and effects of a terrorist attack). … When approved, military forces from one nation augment the other nation’s forces in civil support operations ... Support under the plan is provided to the other nation’s military rather than directly to civil authorities.”
Web Link
https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=28652
Lead Organization(s)
Canadian Joint Operations Command
U.S. Northern Command
Activation & Implementation
The CAP would be activated and implemented upon direction by the Government of Canada and the U.S. President or Secretary of Defense.
Section 3.a of the CAP describes the concept of operations for executing the plan.
Communication & Coordination
Section 1.b of the CAP identifies “The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (presently Global Affairs Canada), acting on behalf of the Government of Canada (GoC), and the U.S. Department of State (DOS), acting on behalf of the United States Government (USG), will, upon receipt of a formal request for, or offer of mutual assistance, coordinate an agreed upon bilateral response that may include military support.”
Administration & Liability
The United States and Canada are Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), dated 23 August 1953.
Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI)
Date Established
2001
Type
Partnership
Hazard Type
Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Pandemic Threats
Scope/Function
GHSI is an informal network of countries that came together shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks to ensure exchange and coordination of practices within the health sector in confronting new threats and risks to global health posed by terrorism and emerging infectious diseases. Members of the GHSI are Canada, the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States; the World Health Organization (WHO) serves as a technical advisor.
GHSI’s mandate is to undertake concerted global action to strengthen public health preparedness and response to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, as well as pandemic influenza and other pandemic threats.
A Global Health Security Action Group (GHSAG) of senior officials was established by Ministers to develop and implement concrete actions to improve global health security. It also serves as a network of rapid communication/reaction in the event of a crisis.
GHSI’s working groups serve as a resource for moving actions forward at the technical and policy level, as well as providing the ability to rapidly convene the relevant technical experts to address critical issues during an emergency.
Web Link
Lead Organizations
Public Health Agency of Canada
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Activation & Implementation
Health security events, whether intentional, accidental, or naturally occurring, trigger enhanced information sharing and collaboration through the risk communications approach outlined in the GHSI Emergency Management Response Framework.
Ongoing work of GHSI is focused in three main areas:
- Trusted Forum: Maintaining forum of technical and policy cooperation to strengthen collective efforts in addressing current and emerging threats.
- Partnerships: Engaging in collaboration both domestically and internationally in order to strengthen partnerships.
- Capacity Building: Promoting awareness and dissemination of outcomes from GHSI activities to ensure our work will benefit global public health capacity building for preparedness and response, when applicable.
Communication & Coordination
Bringing together senior officials from each member country, the GHSAG serves as a network of rapid communication in the event of a crisis. GHSAG members exchange information regarding global health security issues/events, discuss policy priorities for the network, and review progress on technical-level activities.
Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Search and Rescue Services Involving Offshore Petroleum Exploration and Production within the Exclusive Economic Zone of Canada
Date Established
June 2, 2017
Type
Memorandum of Understanding
Hazard Type
Incidents involving offshore petroleum exploration and production within the Exclusive Economic Zone of Canada
Scope/Function
This MOU is intended solely to provide an understanding of how the coordination of responses to distress situations involving oil rigs are expected to be handled. It is not intended to preclude cooperation across geographic limits of search and rescue regions, nor to preclude involvement of any personnel or other search and rescue (SAR) resources of the Participants in responding to any distress situation, as appropriate, whenever or wherever it may arise.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organizations
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/ U.S. Coast Guard;
Canada Department of National Defence;
Canadian Armed Forces;
Fisheries and Oceans Canada;
Canadian Coast Guard
Activation & Implementation
Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Halifax normally serves as the SAR Mission Coordinator for distress incidents involving offshore petroleum exploration or production within the Canadian EEZ. In carrying out this responsibility, JRCC Halifax intends to coordinate its efforts closely with JRCC Boston, as appropriate, and especially for responses to incidents located within a search and rescue region for which the United States is responsible. Operating plans are intended to be maintained at each JRCC consistent with this MOU.
JRCC Halifax and JRCC Boston intend to keep each other fully and promptly advised of relevant information on the status of distress situations contemplated within this MOU and of the associated SAR response. In such cases, any arrangements for mutual assistance between the Participants are intended to be made among the JRCCs concerned.
For the purposes of this MOU, cooperation in providing SAR services is intended to include, but not be limited to, any related operations, logistics support, planning, seminars, exercises and training. Contingent upon the availability of SAR personnel, facilities and funding, the JRCCs intend to participate in discussion and operations-based exercises focusing on notification, coordination, cooperation procedures and current rescue plans to enhance working relationships.
Communication & Coordination
The Competent Authorities of the Parties are specified in Appendix I to this Agreement. Each Party shall promptly inform the other Parties in writing through diplomatic channels of any changes regarding its Competent Authorities. The agencies responsible for aeronautical and maritime search and rescue, referred to as "search and rescue agencies", are specified in Appendix II to this Agreement.
Each Party, through its Competent Authorities, shall promptly inform the other Parties of any changes regarding its search and rescue agency or agencies.
Administration & Liability
Unless otherwise determined by the Participants, each Participant intends to fund its own expenses for activities pertinent to this MOU, subject to its applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on Issues of Mutual Interest Respecting Marine Safety and Security between Transport Canada and the United States Coast Guard
Date Established
The MOU came into effect for Canada on the date of signature, June 13, 2012, and for the United States on May 30, 2012.
Type
Memorandum of Understanding
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to provide an overarching framework to facilitate and enhance the collaboration and working relations between Transport Canada and the United States Coast Guard to address issues of mutual interest respecting marine safety and security collaboration.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organizations
Marine Security Operations, Transport Canada
Office of Port and Facility Compliance, United States Coast Guard
Activation & Implementation
Activated through a request from one Participant to another for the primary purpose of development of consultative mechanisms for regulatory and policy initiatives of joint interest, including the development of aligned regulatory requirements, engagement at international fora, international capacity building, and other identified topics of potential common benefit.
Communication & Coordination
The MOU calls for each Participant to designate a national primary point of contact.
Administration & Liability
Pursuit of cooperative efforts under this Memorandum is subject to the Participants' respective allocated funds that are made available to them for the specific activities to be undertaken pursuant to this Memorandum. The Participants do not intend to transfer funds between themselves.
Cooperative activities carried out pursuant to this Memorandum, including the exchange of information are subject to the applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures of each of the Participants. Nothing in this Memorandum is intended to create binding obligations between the Participants under international law.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Co-Operation Among the Department of National Defence Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans of Canada, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Air Force, the United Kingdom Maritime and Coast Guard Agency, the United Kingdom Department for Transport, and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Concerning Search and Rescue
Date Established
Various dates, 1999
Type
Memorandum of Understanding
Hazard Type
Maritime or aeronautical incidents
Scope/Function
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation among the Participants for the provision of search and rescue (SAR) services in response to a maritime or aeronautical incident within the Participant’s search and rescue region. A Participant may enter onto or over the territory of another Participant country for the purpose of rendering emergency rescue assistance to persons, vessels, or aircraft. Notification of such entry must be made as soon as practicable.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organizations
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Air Force
Department of National Defence (Canada)
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canada)
UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency
UK Department for Transport
UK Ministry of Defence
Activation & Implementation
Operational MOUs and procedures among the Participants exist under this MOU. SAR operations are carried out in accordance with relevant SAR manuals and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Maritime Organisation.
Communication & Coordination
Cooperation is addressed in section six of the MOU and includes providing services in support of SAR operations, developing procedures, techniques, equipment, facilities, and information systems, and joint training and exercising.
Administration & Liability
Each Participant funds its own expenses for activities pertinent to this MOU.
Assistance to save lives and reduce suffering is provided regardless of the nationality or immigration status of persons requiring rescue.
North American Plan for Animal and Pandemic Influenza (NAPAPI)
Date Established
2007; revised 2012
Type
Plan
Hazard Type
Animal and Pandemic Influenza
Scope/Function
Building on the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic experience, this trilateral initiative among Canada, Mexico, and the United States provides a comprehensive, collaborative, and cross-sectoral approach to strengthening emergency response capacities to prepare for, prevent, and mitigate animal or novel human influenza or an influenza pandemic in North America. Four sectors are signatories to the NAPAPI for each of the three countries: human health, animal health, security, and foreign affairs. The Plan is intended to complement national emergency management plans and builds on core principles of the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza, the standards and guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health
(OIE), and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance and frameworks (including International Health Regulations – 2005) and provisions of the World Trade Organization and Canada U.S. Mexico Agreement (CUSMA – 2020).
Web Link
https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/international/Documents/napapi.pdf
Lead Organizations
Public Health Agency of Canada
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Activation & Implementation
The Plan provides principles for cooperation and includes use of indicates “Each country intends to use existing emergency management structures for decision-making at the national level.
The implementation of a coordinated North American response aims to be flexible and adaptable as there are many possible scenarios for the emergence of influenza, how a pandemic may unfold, and how it can spread. Canada, Mexico and the United States intend to implement cooperative measures to:
- Detect, notify, monitor and control influenza outbreaks;
- Facilitate trilateral communication among relevant authorities to react and cooperate effectively in the case of an outbreak or pandemic;
- Prevent or slow the entry and spread of a novel strain of human influenza whether emerging within or outside of North America;
- Mitigate illness and deaths; attempt to limit animal to human and human to human transmission;
- Coordinate appropriate border measures giving due consideration to the movement of people, live animals, and goods;
- Sustain infrastructure, mitigate the impact to the social and economic functioning of our societies; and
- Facilitate the cross-border flow of medical equipment, materials, samples and reagents to assist other North American countries.”
The Plan includes an annex on guidelines for providing assistance in an avian influenza outbreak, including sharing of avian influenza vaccines and contingency plans to expand personnel when highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in Canada, Mexico, or the United States.
Communication & Coordination
The Plan identifies key Federal organizations within each country and includes governance and mechanisms for trilateral emergency coordination and communication. The North American Senior Coordinating Body convenes during a pandemic to promote coordination among the three partner countries’ four sectors (human health, animal health, security, and foreign affairs) and to support rapid decision-making, information sharing and evidence-based implementation of the NAPAPI.
Administration & Liability
The three countries are also parties to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), and as members of OIE share additional responsibility to follow the guidelines and standards of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). NAPAPI discusses the IHR (2005) as the international legal framework for coordination to protect against and control the spread of disease. The OIE guidelines and standards contain additional provisions on administration and liability.
Joint Canada Border Services Agency / U.S. Customs and Border Protection Business Resumption Communication & Coordination Plan (BR CCP)
Date Established
July 2007
Type
Plan
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
Provides the framework for communication between the two agencies to facilitate legitimate trade and travelers during a trade disruption or increase in security threat level in either country.
The BR CCP is not intended as a communication plan for crisis management, incident management, or business contingency. It is intended for the coordination of communications to facilitate the resumption of trade at ports of entry. Communication topics may include reporting issues, external messaging to the trade community, statements to the media, updates to and from other government agencies, and joint information sharing.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organizations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Canada Border Services Agency
Activation & Implementation
May be activated and used by mutual agreement at a local, regional, or national level.
Communication & Coordination
The BR CCP details roles and responsibilities and key information to share among designated points of contact at the Headquarters, Regional, and Field Offices levels. It also addresses communications continuity, infrastructure, and joint communications to external stakeholders for consistency in messaging.
Canada-United States Framework for the Movement of Goods and People Across the Border During and Following an Emergency and Annex
Maritime Annex to the Canada-United States Framework for the Movement of Goods and People Across the Border During and Following an Emergency
Date Established
2009
Type
Framework
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
Provides a framework for the United States and Canada to work together to manage the movement of goods and people across the border during and following an incident that contributes to significant border disruption, requires national level engagement, and meets one or more of the following scenarios:
- an attack or threat of attack to the United States or Canada by terrorists;
- a natural or man-made incident that impacts, including health incidents, that impacts large numbers of citizens and/or affects Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources of national interest to one or both countries; or
- A Federal, State, Local, Provincial, Territorial, or U.S. Tribal Government request for national-level assistance through existing procedures
The Maritime Annex is intended to apply in the event of an incident that affects the shared maritime transportation systems, requires national level engagement, and meets one of the above scenarios, or involves a request for national-level assistance from other entities (e.g. port authorities).
Web Link
Framework:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/border_management_framework_2009-05-27.pdf
Maritime Annex:
Lead Organizations
Framework:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Public Safety Canada
Maritime Annex:
DHS
Public Safety Canada
U.S. Coast Guard
Transport Canada
Activation & Implementation
Activated in the event of an incident that meets the criteria described in the scope/functions section above. In the course of implementation, the Parties are resolved to facilitate coordinated, cooperated, and timely border management decision-making to mitigate impacts on their citizens and economies, and committed to working together to manage the reasonable movement of people and goods across the Canada-U.S. border during and following emergencies.
Communication & Coordination
The Framework identifies the Deputy Secretary of DHS and Deputy Minister of Public Safety Canada as leads for sharing incident information, communicating national priorities, and facilitating joint messaging to critical infrastructure sectors, health officials, the trade community, and the general public.
The Framework complements the Joint Canada Border Services Agency /U.S. Customs and Border Protection Business Resumption Communication & Coordination Plan and annexes, which provide a framework for communication between the two agencies during a trade disruption or increase in security threat level in either country.
The Participants to the Maritime Annex intend to ensure that the Deputy Minister of Transport Canada and the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard communicate with one another as soon as practicable following a relevant incident, and have their officials communicate until operations at affected ports or marine areas are re-established and security restored to their mutual satisfaction. This communication would cover information on the nature of the incident, people and goods considered to be a national priority of one or both countries, and common messaging to critical infrastructure sectors, health officials, industry, and the general public. The Participants also intend to ensure that appropriate authorities from each country establish processes for regular and effective communications during a disruption of maritime commerce.
Public Safety Canada, Transport Canada, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Coast Guard intend, in all cases, to liaise with the Global Affairs Canada and the U.S. Department of State, respectively.
Cybersecurity Action Plan Between Public Safety Canada and the Department of Homeland Security
Date Established
2012
Type
Action Plan
Hazard Type
Cybersecurity aspects of all hazards
Scope/Function
Establishes lines of communication and areas for collaborative work critical to enhancing the cybersecurity preparedness of both Canada and the U.S.
Web Link
http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/cybrscrt-ctnplan/index-eng.aspx
Lead Organizations
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Public Safety Canada (PS)
Activation & Implementation
The Action Plan provides a shared approach to fulfill the vision of DHS and PS working together to defend and protect our use of cyberspace and to strengthen the resiliency of both nations.
Communication & Coordination
The Action Plan outlines three goals for communication and coordination: collaboration between PS and DHS at the operational and strategic levels; information sharing with the private sector; and, continued cooperation on ongoing cybersecurity public awareness activities.
Memorandum of Cooperation between Public Safety Canada and the United States Department of Homeland Security (to promote joint efforts by the respective public affairs organizations) and Canada U.S. Incident Management Framework for Public Communications
Date Established
June 24, 2008
Type
Memorandum of Cooperation and Framework
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
Documents partnership between the DHS Office of Public Affairs and Public Safety Canada. The two have developed a Canada-US Incident Management Framework for Public Communications with best practices for sharing public affairs communications materials and contact lists for use during exercises, national security incidents involving the United States and Canada, large-scale incidents, and international incidents involving international allies. This framework is tested annually through exercises and reviewed routinely.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organizations
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Public Affairs
Public Safety Canada
Activation & Implementation
Utilized during exercises, national security incidents involving the United States and Canada, large-scale incidents, and international incidents involving international allies.
Communication & Coordination
Addressed in the Canada-U.S. Incident Management Framework for Public Communications
Administration & Liability
The DHS Office of Public Affairs and Public Safety Canada are each responsible for designating a first point of contact for the memorandum and are each further responsible for all costs of activities undertaken to support it.
Canada-United States Joint Radiological Emergency Response Plan (JRERP)
Date Established
July 27, 1996
Type
Plan
Hazard Type
Radiological emergencies
Scope/Function
Articulates a basis for cooperative measures to deal with a potential or actual peacetime radiological event that could affect both countries, or be of a magnitude that assistance from the neighboring country could be required. This Plan establishes a framework for coordinating the response to radiological events of interest to Canada and the United States. The plan is intended to complement existing national, provincial, and state emergency plans.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organization(s)
Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Management Agency
Public Safety Canada
Activation & Implementation
A request for mutual aid under the JRERP must be preceded by an activation message, to be delivered in accordance with the provisions in Appendix B. Procedures for submitting formal requests for mutual aid are contained in Appendix C.
Mechanisms for integrating federal and international mutual aid resources should be specified in federal, state, or provincial emergency plans. If not specified in these plans, the lead federal agencies will agree on the best mechanism for use or direction of mutual aid resources provided in support of the requesting country.
Communication & Coordination
Appendices B and C include information on points of contact for alerting, activation, deactivation, and requests for mutual aid.
Appendix D of the plan identify joint procedures for radioactive plume trajectory and dispersion modeling.
Statement of Intent Between the Department of Energy of the United States of America and the Department of Health of Canada Regarding Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Management and Incident Response Capabilities
Date Established
February 20, 2014
Type
Statement of Intent
Hazard Type
Radiological/Nuclear
Scope/Function(s)
The purpose of the Statement of Intent (SOI) is to provide a framework for cooperation between the Department of Health of Canada and the Department of Energy of the United States to enhance radiological and nuclear security and minimize the actual or potential radiological consequences to health, environment and property of an incident involving nuclear or radiological material worldwide. The participants intend to promote improvements in national and international emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
Web Link
Not available online.
Lead Organization(s)
Health Canada
U.S. Department of Energy
Activation & Implementation
The participants intend to implement this SOI through pre-planned information sharing and capacity-building activities such as technical exchanges, trainings, exercises, and support for the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. As necessary, the participants will provide technical information, advice, and assistance to promote prompt and effective emergency response to nuclear or radiological accidents and incidents.
Communication & Coordination
The participants to this SOI intend to communicate, or meet, at least twice per year, and more frequently as they jointly decide, to review this SOI and related activities planned, or progress on those carried out.
Administration & Liability
The SOI calls each participant to identify a representative in matters related to the general administration of the SOI and conducted activities. Each participant funds its own expenses for activities pertinent to this SOI, in accordance with the national laws of its country. This SOI is not legally binding.
Maritime Event Response Protocol (MERP)/Maritime Operational Threat Response (MOTR) Strategic Protocol
Date Established
2012
Type
Protocol
Hazard Type
“Maritime Events,” defined in the Canadian MERP as a “situation that is in the national interest and could have an impact on the security, social, political, or economic stability of Canada; and,
“Maritime Threats,” defined in the U.S. MOTR Plan as “actionable knowledge of, or acts of, terrorism, piracy, and other criminal, unlawful, or hostile acts committed by foreign States and non-state actors, such as international terrorist groups.
Scope/Function
Provides a forum for the exchange of national level threat and event response information between national level frameworks. MERPMOTR complements existing bi-national consultation mechanisms by providing a platform to rapidly assemble representatives from legal, diplomatic, customs, and the armed forces to securely exchange information related to maritime threats and events.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organizations
Canada: Government Operations Centre (GOC)
U.S.: Global Maritime Operational Threat Response (MOTR) Coordination Center
Activation & Implementation
The Protocol may be activated by either party upon the occurrence, or potential occurrence, of a significant maritime threat or event that could impact both Canadian and U.S. interests, or when a response by one nation to a maritime threat or event could adversely affect national level public affairs or strategic communications of the other nation.
Communication & Coordination
The information exchange and communication may occur in person, via e-mail, telephone, or video teleconference. It may include a discussion of pertinent facts, cross border coordination, lead agency, desired national outcomes, and anticipated timelines.
Administration & Liability
Each country is responsible for its own costs resulting from the implementation of the Protocol. The Protocol is not legally binding, does not affect the terms of any other agreement or arrangement in place between the parties, and is not intended to create any right or benefit by any third party enforceable against the participating agencies, their officers, employees, agents, or associated personnel.
Energy Government Coordinating Council and Sector Coordinating Councils
Date Established
2013
Type
Council
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
The Energy Government Coordinating Council (EGCC) is the government counterpart for energy sector coordinating councils (SCCs) to enable interagency and cross-jurisdictional coordination. The EGCC is chaired by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) representative, and the Department of Homeland Security is a co-chair. The EGCC coordinates with and supports efforts of the SCCs. The Oil and Natural Gas SCC and the Electricity SCC provide venues for energy subsector owners and operators to mutually plan, implement, and execute sufficient and appropriate sector-wide security programs, procedures, processes, and information exchange toward continued improvement in the protection of the subsectors’ critical infrastructure. DOE coordinates preparation and response to all hazards through these sector coordinating councils. Natural Resources Canada and Public Safety Canada are members of the EGCC, and Canadian industry organizations are members of both the Oil and Natural Gas SCC and the Electricity SCC.
Web Link
https://www.cisa.gov/sector-coordinating-councils
Lead Organizations
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Natural Resources Canada
Public Safety Canada
Activation & Implementation
Not applicable; ongoing collaboration.
Communication & Coordination
Ongoing communications and coordination among the parties.
Statement of Privacy Principles by the United States and Canada
Date Established
May 30, 2012
Type
Statement
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
The Statement of Privacy Principles concerning the provision, receipt and use of personal information exchanged between the U.S. and Canada inform and guide all information sharing arrangements and initiatives under Beyond the Border Action Plan, including those related to emergency management. Implementing the privacy principles promotes the flow of accurate, relevant and necessary information to address emergencies impacting one or both countries and shared threats to national security.
Web Link
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/beyond-the-borderaction-plan-statement-of-privacy-principles_0.pdf
Lead Organizations
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Justice
Public Safety Canada
Justice Canada
Activation & Implementation
Negotiators should incorporate the principles into all information sharing agreements and arrangements. Canada and the United States intend to make reasonable and appropriate efforts to maintain personal information accurately and completely, including any caveats or conditions attached to the information. Any further related information, including updates or clarifying information, is intended to be included to ensure continuing accuracy and completeness.
Communication & Coordination
Canada and the United States intend to consult each other as necessary, including through the Executive Steering Committee, on the application of this Statement of Privacy Principles to particular Beyond the Border arrangements and initiatives, and to discuss more general developments in the protection of privacy rights.
Canada-United States Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure
Date Established
2010
Type
Plan
Hazard Type
All-hazards, specific to critical infrastructure
Scope/Function
Describes, given the interconnectedness of U.S. and Canadian critical infrastructure, a comprehensive cross-border approach to critical infrastructure resilience. It identifies specific deliverables, provides a framework for managing risks, and supports regional cross-border relations.
Web Link
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ip-canada-usaction-plan-2010-508.pdf
Lead Organizations
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Public Safety Canada
Activation & Implementation
The Action Plan is based on three objectives, building partnerships, improved information sharing, and risk management. A variety of specific actions are identified to support each.
Communication & Coordination
Specific communication and coordination actions include working together to improve sector-specific cross-border collaboration, establishing a virtual Canada-U.S. Infrastructure Risk Analysis Cell, developing compatible mechanisms and protocols to protect and share sensitive critical infrastructure information, collaborating to ensure effective information sharing during and following an incident, among others.
Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation in Science and Technology for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Border Security and related Project Arrangements and Cooperative Activity Arrangements
Cooperative Activity Arrangement No. 08-01 2007-05 between the DHS Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and the Department of National Defence of Canada Concerning Radiological and Nuclear Detection
Cooperative Activity Arrangement No. 14-2009 between DHS and Defence Research and Development Canada Concerning Risk Assessment and Risk Related Domains
Cooperative Activity Arrangement No. 18-2010 between DHS and Defence Research and Development Canada Concerning Public Security Interoperability and Information Sharing
Cooperative Activity Arrangement No. 23-2016 between DHS and Defence Research and Development Canada Concerning A Senior Exchange Officer for Public Security
Date Established
June 1, 2004
Type
Agreement
Hazard Type
Physical and cyber-based critical infrastructure and border security
Scope/Function
Establishes a vehicle for the conduct of cooperative scientific and technological research and development in the fields of critical infrastructure protection and border security. Areas of cooperative activity include threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments, interdependency analyses, detection and monitoring, training, test and evaluation, pilots and demonstrations through such means as joint research projects, task forces, studies, seminars, and working groups.
Web Link
https://www.treaty-accord.gc.ca/text-texte.aspx?id=105000
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/04-601-Canada-Scientific-Cooperation.pdf
Lead Organizations
U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Science & Technology Directorate
Defence Research and Development Canada
Activation & Implementation
Specific joint activities are activated and implemented through Project Arrangements and Cooperative Activity Arrangements.
Communication & Coordination
Agreement addresses management, contracting, finance, intellectual property, entry of personnel and equipment and material, and security. Further communication and coordination procedures are established in specific Cooperative Activity Arrangements and subordinate Technical Annexes.
Administration & Liability
Umbrella agreement creates no standing financial commitments. Parties to Project Arrangements, Cooperative Activity Arrangements and Technical Annexes bear or share costs of implementing activities.
U.S. Government Mechanisms
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Public Law 93-288 (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)
Date Established
November 23, 1988
Type
Act
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
The Stafford Act constitutes the primary general statutory authority for most U.S. Federal preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery activities for domestic disasters, especially as they pertain to FEMA activities.
The Stafford Act makes the following references to “neighboring countries” defined as Canada and Mexico, in Title VI – Emergency Preparedness. In the Stafford Act, the term “neighboring countries” refers to Canada and Mexico.
- Pursuant to Sec. 611 of the Stafford Act, “With the approval of the President, the Administrator [of FEMA] may delegate to other departments and agencies of the Federal Government appropriate emergency preparedness responsibilities and review and coordinate the emergency preparedness activities of the departments and agencies with each other and with the activities of the States and neighboring countries.”
- Pursuant to Sec. 612 of the Stafford Act, which discusses mutual aid pacts between States and neighboring countries, the Administrator of FEMA “shall give all practicable assistance to States in arranging, through the Department of State, mutual emergency preparedness aid between the States and neighboring countries.”
- Pursuant to Sec. 621 of the Stafford Act, which describes administrative authority, the Administrator of FEMA “may employ not more than 100 part-time or temporary advisory personnel (including not to exceed 25 subjects of the United Kingdom or citizens of Canada) as the Administrator considers to be necessary in carrying out the provisions of this title.”
Web Link
https://www.fema.gov/disasters/stafford-act
Lead Organization
U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Management Agency
Activation & Implementation
The Stafford Act is a U.S. domestic authority covering the fifty (50) States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Hence, the Stafford Act cannot be activated to provide U.S. Federal Government-level emergency assistance to Canada.
U.S. International Assistance System Concept of Operations (IAS CONOPS)
Date Established
November 23, 2009; revised 2015
Type
Guidance and procedures
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
Identifies internal U.S. procedures for addressing foreign offers of assistance in response to a U.S. domestic disaster declared under the Stafford Act, including:
- accepting or declining formal offers of foreign assistance to the U.S. Government for a domestic incident;
- procuring resources not available domestically; and
- receiving and distributing resources.
The IAS does not address foreign offers of cash, offers to State, Tribal, Territorial or local governments, or offers from private sources. It does not replace any preexisting bilateral agreements.
Although designed to support FEMA in a Stafford Act response, the principles and procedures described in the IAS may be used as a guide to other U.S. federal agencies during non-Stafford Act events.
Web Link
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_IAS_CONOPS_2015.pdf
Lead Organization
U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Management Agency
Activation & Implementation
Utilized by FEMA when the U.S. Government determines it is necessary to accept international offers of assistance or, based on verified field requirements, to request international aid in support of the survivors of major disasters in the U.S. The IAS is not automatically utilized for every large domestic disaster. Once FEMA makes a decision to employ the IAS, FEMA may issue mission assignments to other federal agencies to provide support as needed.
Communication & Coordination
The IAS CONOPS identifies roles and responsibilities among U.S. departments and agencies, including policies and procedures for communication and coordination. Typically, coordination is led or overseen by the International Affairs Advisor in the National Response Coordination Center at FEMA Headquarters.
Administration & Liability
FEMA is authorized to accept international assistance through the IAS using its gift acceptance authority under the Stafford Act. Concerning potential acceptance of foreign personnel for domestic response, the IAS CONOPS identifies workers’ compensation, liability, and credentials, licensing, and certifications as issues that must be addressed prior to such acceptance occurring.
U.S. National Response Framework (NRF) International Coordination Support Annex
Date Established
January 2008
Type
Framework
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
A supplement to the NRF, the International Coordination Support Annex provides guidance on carrying out responsibilities for international coordination in support of the U.S. Federal
Government’s response to a domestic incident with international and diplomatic impacts and implications that call for coordination and consultation with foreign governments and international organizations.
Web Link
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-support-internatl.pdf
Lead Organization
U.S. Department of State (DOS)
Activation & Implementation
DOS responds to requests for information or support from foreign missions or U.S. federal agencies when a U.S. domestic incident of any sort has major international implications or the potential for them. Department of State’s Executive Secretariat and its Operations Center establish a DOS Task Force to communicate with the DHS National Operations Center and other U.S. Government Agencies, as appropriate. The DOS Task Force also provides U.S.
Embassies/Consulates with instruction on advising other governments and organizations on the domestic incident and provides support to foreign missions and foreign nationals in the United States. DOS also serves as an intermediary for foreign requests/offers of assistance through the International Assistance System Concept of Operations.
Communication & Coordination
DOS develops incident-related public affairs strategies according to the NRF Incident Communications Emergency Policy and Procedures described in the Public Affairs Support Annex and the Emergency Support Function #15 – External Affairs Annex.
U.S. Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended, Chapter 9 – International Disaster Assistance
Date Established
1961
Type
Act
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
Part I, Chapter 9, Sections 491-493 indicate:
- “[T]he President is authorized to furnish assistance to any foreign country, international organization, or private voluntary organization … for international disaster relief and rehabilitation....”
- “The President is authorized to appoint a Special Coordinator for International Disaster Assistance whose responsibility shall be to promote maximum effectiveness and coordination in responses to foreign disasters by United States agencies and between the United States and other donors.”
Part III, Chapter 1
- Sec. 607 authorizes an agency of the United States Government to furnish services and commodities to friendly countries, international organizations, the American Red Cross, and certain voluntary non-profit relief agencies on an advance of funds or reimbursable basis. The statute requires a determination that the activity is in furtherance of the purposes outlined in Part I of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA).
Web Link
https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/faa
Lead Organizations
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Agency for International Development / Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) Guidance for Disaster Planning and Response
Date Established
Issued annually
Type
Guidance
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function(s)
Provides guidance to all U.S. Embassy staff on support from USAID/BHA before, during, and after the occurrence of natural disasters and man-made crises abroad to ensure timely, appropriate, and effective U.S. Government emergency and humanitarian assistance.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organization
USAID/BHA is the U.S. Government’s lead agency for providing international disaster and humanitarian assistance and coordinating the U.S. Government response to disasters in foreign countries. At each embassy, the Mission Disaster Relief Officer (MDRO) is the focal point for disaster-related information, planning, and activities affecting the host country.
Activation & Implementation
Humanitarian assistance from USAID/BHA must be requested by the Chief of Mission through a Declaration of Humanitarian Need cable after the Chief of Mission determines the disaster satisfies the following criteria:
- There is evidence of significant unmet humanitarian needs;
- U.S. Government humanitarian assistance will save lives, reduce human suffering, and mitigate the impact of humanitarian emergencies on the most vulnerable;
- The host country requests or will accept international assistance; and
- Responding aligns with U.S. Government interests and humanitarian objectives.
The Chief of Mission can request from USAID/BHA up to USD $100,000 for initial relief assistance. USAID/BHA maintains additional capabilities that can be utilized as needed, these include: deployment of regional advisors, an assessment team, or a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART); procurement, transportation, and distribution of food assistance and emergency relief items from USAID/BHA stockpiles; and additional disaster funding.
Communication & Coordination
Guidance on U.S. Government and host country communications and coordination are provided, as well as listings of USAID/BHA contacts. A recommended public message concerning donations is also provided to embassy staff in the guidance.
U.S. Border Crossing Process for Voluntary Agency Groups/Individuals
Date Established
2007; updated 2020
Type
Procedures
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
This process may allow volunteers from Canada (and other countries) who are affiliated with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to obtain secondary “parole” entry into the United States in support of U.S. declared disaster recovery operations.
Web Link
Not available online
Lead Organizations
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Activation & Implementation
A voluntary organization activates the process by providing a list of volunteers and other required information, and if applicable, a list of vehicles/equipment and its required information, to the FEMA Headquarters Voluntary Agency Liaison Section no later than one week prior to U.S. entry.
Communication & Coordination
FEMA affirms the organization is a known entity and that there is a need for volunteer services for the disaster areas. FEMA also verifies the information required by CBP is completed and transmits the information to CBP Headquarters. CBP Headquarters reviews the information and forwards it to the Port of Entry for consideration.
Administration & Liability
Groups and individuals must be “credentialed” by the voluntary organization they represent.
Government of Canada Mechanisms
Emergency Management Act
Date Established
August 2007
Type
Act
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
The Emergency Management Act (EMA) sets clear roles and responsibilities for all federal ministers across the full spectrum of emergency management. This includes prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, and critical infrastructure protection.
The Act reinforces efforts to ensure that Canada is well-prepared to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from natural and human-induced risks to the safety and security of Canadians.
The Act:
- Gives responsibility to the Minister of Public Safety to provide national leadership and set a clear direction for emergency management and critical infrastructure protection for the Government of Canada;
- Clearly establishes the roles and responsibilities of federal Ministers and enhances the Government of Canada’s readiness to respond to all types of emergencies;
- Improves information sharing and enhances collaborative emergency management planning with other levels of government as well as the private sector; and
- Gives authority to the Minister of Public Safety, in consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to coordinate Canada’s response to an emergency in the United States.
In consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister may develop joint emergency management plans with the relevant United States’ authorities and, in accordance with those plans, coordinate Canada’s response to emergencies in the United States and provide assistance in response to those emergencies.
Web Link
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-4.56/
Lead Organization
Public Safety Canada
Activation & Implementation
Not applicable
Communication & Coordination
The Minister of Public Safety Canada is responsible for exercising leadership at the national-level relating to public safety and emergency preparedness.
In exercising the powers and in performing the duties and functions as described in the EMA the Minister of Public Safety may cooperate with any province, foreign state, international organization or any other entity.
Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP)
Date Established
December 2009 (amended in 2011)
Type
Plan
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
The Emergency Management Act defines emergency management as the prevention and mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from emergencies. Under the Emergency Management Act, the Minister of Public Safety is responsible for coordinating the Government of Canada’s response to an emergency. The Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP) is the Government of Canada’s “all-hazards” response plan.
Public Safety Canada developed FERP in consultation with other government departments. FERP outlines the processes and mechanisms to facilitate an integrated Government of Canada response to an emergency and to eliminate the need for departments to coordinate a wider Government of Canada response.
Web Link
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/mrgnc-rspns-pln/index-en.aspx
Lead Organization
Public Safety Canada
Activation & Implementation
The Government Operations Centre (GOC) serves as the coordination centre for the federal response, and provides regular situation reports as well as briefing and decision-making support materials for ministers and senior officials. As requests for information and assistance are received, they are assigned to those departments, agencies or other organizations with the applicable mandate and response capabilities to action in support of the integrated federal response.
Communication & Coordination
Public Safety Canada Communications coordinates emergency public communications activities for the Government of Canada; between federal departments; and with provincial/territorial partners, international partners, and non-government organizations. Communications also provides support and strategic public communications advice on issues relating to the public and media environment as part of each of the primary functions of the Federal Emergency Response Management System.
Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan (FNEP)
Date Established
September 1984, Current edition - January 2014 (5th Edition)
Type
Plan
Hazard Type
Radiological/Nuclear
Scope/Function
The Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan (FNEP) is an annex to the FERP. The FNEP provides supplemental and specific multi-departmental and inter-jurisdictional arrangements necessary to address the health risk associated with a radiological or nuclear domestic and international emergency. The FNEP supports rapid mobilization of federal radiological assessment and other specialized capabilities to manage the potential health risks associated with a radiological or nuclear emergency. The plan defines specific roles and responsibilities of federal response organizations for nuclear emergency functions, and linkages between federal and provincial/territorial emergency management organizations, which can be initiated on a 24 hour, 7-day basis.
Web Link
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/pubs/ed-ud/fnep-pfun-1/index-eng.php
Lead Organization
Health Canada
Activation & Implementation
In the event of a radiological or nuclear emergency requiring a coordinated Government of Canada response, the Minister of Public Safety will be responsible for overall federal coordination on behalf of the Government of Canada unless otherwise specified. The response framework established under the FERP will be supplemented by some, or all of the specific provisions contained in the FNEP in order to integrate and coordinate the scientific and technical capabilities of federal partners and to address the specific radiological consequences of the emergency.
In the event of a nuclear emergency occurring abroad, elements of the FNEP may be implemented in support of the emergency response coordinated by Global Affairs Canada for the protection of Canadians and Canadian interests abroad, the management of Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations and the conduct of bilateral and multilateral relations.
For incidents involving nuclear powered vessels from foreign armed forces in Canadian ports, the Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) will act as the Canadian on-site authority.
Communication & Coordination
Coordination with the government of the United States of America during a nuclear emergency impacting both countries will be consistent with the principles and measures contained in relevant international conventions and bi-lateral agreements.
Where existing bilateral agreements permit direct communication, provision of mutual aid, or liaison between organizations in Canada and United States, provincial/federal authorities will inform the Government Operations Centre (GOC), the FNEP-Technical Assessment Group and Global Affairs Canada of consultations with their United States counterparts during a nuclear emergency. Consultations, commitments, or decisions taken among organizations in direct contact will not exceed the scope of the relevant agreement(s) and will be coordinated with the appropriate Canadian authorities.
Administration & Liability
Health Canada administers the FNEP and has the authority to initiate the arrangements described herein in support of Federal, Provincial or Territorial partners and international organizations. The decision to escalate the response level of the FNEP rests with Health Canada but will generally be done in consultation with Public Safety
Canada/Government Operations Centre, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission as the federal regulator of the nuclear industry, and/or the DND/CAF for events involving nuclear-powered vessels. Health Canada may also consult other federal government institutions as appropriate.
Federal Policy for Emergency Management
Date Established
December 2009
Type
Policy
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
This policy is established under the authority of the Emergency Management Act and applies to all federal institutions. As all Ministers have responsibilities in relation to emergency management, this policy is intended to provide deputy heads with direction for the preparation, maintenance, testing, implementation, exercise and training by a federal institution of mandate specific emergency management plans.
Web Link
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/plc-mrgnc-mngmnt/index-en.aspx
Lead Organization
Public Safety Canada
Activation & Implementation
Public Safety Canada will lead the coordination of federal government emergency management activities including public communications into a common horizontal approach and will facilitate collaboration and seamless relationships across all federal institutions. In consultation with other government departments, in support of this Policy, Public Safety Canada will provide operational tools, guidelines, and best practices for undertaking all phases of emergency management planning, including conducting risk assessments.
Plan for the Movement of People and Goods During and Following an Emergency
Date Established
2009; revised September 2014
Type
Plan and Process
Hazard Type
All-hazards
Scope/Function
Complements the 2009 Canada-United States Framework for the Movement of Goods and People Across the Border During and Following an Emergency. Plan and process for when a major emergency (such as threat to national security) occurs that contributes to significant border disruption and requires national level engagement. Outlines a triage methodology and process to assist the Government of Canada to establish which people and what goods are most urgently needed in Canada and manage the movement from the United States into Canada as quickly as possible.
Also includes a Canadian whole of government view of stakeholders and communications mechanisms between governments and industry.
Web Link
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/pln-mvmnt-ppl-gds/index-eng.aspx
Lead Organizations
Public Safety Canada (PS)
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Activation & Implementation
Activated in the event of an incident that contributes to significant border disruption, requires national level engagement, Federal Emergency Response Plan and related Emergency Support Function(s) are activated, Director General Border Management Group (co-led by PS and CBSA concurrence) and is one or more of the following scenarios: terrorist attack, increase in security alert levels, pandemic, natural disaster.
Communication & Coordination
Jointly coordinated by PS and CBSA as co-leads of the Plan and the Director General Border Management Working Group.
Outlines a Stakeholder Engagement and Public Communications Strategy which facilitates outreach in support of the Plan between federal departments, agencies, provincial authorities, Government of the United States, industry stakeholders, media and the Canadian public.
Also commits the Director General Border Management Working Group (comprised of federal departments/agencies) to work together, coordinate, triage, communicate with industry stakeholders and ultimately make recommendations to the Assistant Deputy Minister Emergency Management Committee regarding which urgently required goods/people should move to, through and away from the border based on the collective needs of the country.
Administration & Liability
Outlines the following waivers for the Government of Canada (when Plan is activated):
- Will make best efforts to provide fair consideration to all applicants who complete and submit an application for priority assessment based on the nature of the emergency, Canada’s overall requirements and any other criteria that may be relevant.
- Bears no liability for any adverse consequences economic or otherwise that are perceived to be a result of a negative priority assessment.
- Obligation of applicants to complete and submit applications for priority assessment in full and in a timely manner.
Acronyms
- BR CCP
- Joint CBP/CBSA Business Resumption Communication & Coordination Plan
- CAP
- Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan
- CBP
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- CBRNE
- Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives
- CBSA
- Canada Border Services Agency
- CCRS
- Canada Centre for Remote Sensing
- CCG
- Canadian Coast Guard
- CIFFC
- Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Inc.
- CONOPS
- Concept of Operations
- DART
- Disaster Assistance Response Team
- DHS
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- DND/CAF
- Canada Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces
- DOS
- U.S. Department of State
- EGCC
- Energy Government Coordinating Council
- EMA
- Emergency Management Act
- FAA
- U.S. Foreign Assistance Act
- FEMA
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- FERP
- Canada Federal Emergency Response Plan
- FNEP
- Canada Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan
- GHSI
- Global Health Security Initiative
- GHSAG
- Global Health Security Action Group
- GOC
- Canada Government Operations Center
- HHS
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- IAS CONOPS
- International Assistance System Concept of Operations
- JRCC
- Joint Rescue Coordination Center
- JRERP
- Joint Radiological Emergency Response Plan
- MASAS
- Multi-Agency Situational Awareness System
- MDRO
- Mission Disaster Relief Officer
- MERP
- Maritime Event Response Protocol
- MOA
- Memorandum of Agreement
- MOTR
- Maritime Operational Threat Response
- MOU
- Memorandum of Understanding
- NAPAPI
- North American Plan for Animal and Pandemic Influenza
- NICC
- U.S. National Interagency Coordination Center
- NIFC
- U.S. National Interagency Fire Center
- NRF
- U.S. National Response Framework
- OIE
- World Organisation for Animal Health
- OPEN
- Open Platform for Emergency Networks
- PS
- Public Safety Canada
- R&D
- Research and Development
- SAR
- Search and Rescue
- SCC
- Sector Coordinating Council
- SOI
- Statement of Intent
- USAID/BHA
- U.S. Agency for International Development/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance
- USCG
- U.S. Coast Guard
- USGS
- U.S. Geological Survey
- WHO
- World Health Organization
- WTO
- World Trade Organization
- Date modified: