Emergency Management in Ontario
In Ontario, emergency management is a collaborative effort that starts at the individual level and engages all jurisdictions, including the federal government. Municipalities are guided by the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and Ontario Regulation 380/04, which collectively mandate that all municipalities in the province adhere to established standards.
| Individuals |
| Individuals and families are responsible for their own safety, preparedness, and well-being. In the event of a large-scale emergency, entire neighbourhoods may temporarily be isolated from local emergency service providers and utilities. Individuals and families should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency. |
| Emergency Management Program Committees |
| Every municipality must form an emergency management program committee (EMPC) responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of its emergency management program. EMPCs are essential towards making the emergency management process more effective at the local level. |
| Municipal Emergency Management Programs |
| Municipal emergency management programs improve public safety through a co-ordinated and identified process for responding to critical situations. An emergency management program assists in protecting lives, critical infrastructure, property, and the environment, while promoting economic stability and ensuring the continuity of critical assets and government. |
| Municipal Emergency Response Plans |
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Municipal Emergency Plans outline how a municipality will respond to emergencies within its jurisdiction. The Township of Selwyn works closely with a variety of stakeholder organizations including Peterborough County, The City of Peterborough, neighbouring municipalities, emergency services, and Provincial Ministries, to keep its Municipal Emergency Plan up-to-date and relevant. |
| Municipal Emergency Control Groups |
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Municipal Emergency Control Groups (MECGs) are composed of key municipal officials and staff who are trained to manage emergency situations. In line with legislative requirements, members of a MECG undergo annual training and participate in simulated emergency exercises, to ensure their preparedness for identified hazards and risks that could give rise to emergencies within their municipality. |
| Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator (CEMC) |
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Under the EMCPA, every municipality is required to appoint a community emergency management co-ordinator (CEMC) who is responsible for the co-ordination of the municipal emergency management program in accordance with the EMCPA. CEMCs are an integral part of Ontario’s emergency management community and have developed linkages with organizations and associations to help enhance the level of public safety in municipalities and within the province. |
| Provincial Government |
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At the provincial level, Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) coordinates emergency management programs across Ontario. It ensures that these programs are effectively implemented in all municipalities and provincial ministries. EMO is also responsible for running the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), which operates 24/7. The PEOC manages requests for provincial assistance during emergencies, providing resources and advice to municipal officials as needed. |
| Federal Government |
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When an emergency surpasses the capabilities of municipal or provincial resources, the province may make a formal request for assistance from the federal government through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC). The federal government intervenes only when requested to do so by provincial emergency management organizations or when an emergency impacts on areas of federal jurisdiction. |
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