Premier Ford Launches Ontario Corps
- Our government is modernizing our approach to emergency management to ensure people and communities across Ontario are safe, practiced, and prepared for any emergency.
- Through Ontario Corps, the government can deploy specialized equipment and personnel anywhere across Ontario within 24 to 72 hours to help supplement community response efforts including on-the-ground assistance such as shelter, debris management, and food services.
- To strengthen and enhance quick and coordinated emergency responses, the government is also exploring the creation of an Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters.
- Located on surplus government property in Etobicoke near Toronto Pearson International Airport, this state-of-the-art complex would be a multifaceted centre for coordinated and enhanced responses to emergencies.
- A secure facility with dedicated training rooms, storage, warehousing and aviation infrastructure, the new headquarters would be built to withstand all types of disasters including earthquakes, tornadoes and floods, capable of serving Ontario 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
- The government is also partnering with Northern College on a regional emergency hub in Timmins to bolster local on-the-ground response and enhance emergency readiness in northern Ontario. The hub, located at the college, could be set up to serve as an emergency operations centre, a meeting point for emergency partners to coordinate responses or a training centre for partners and volunteers in the north.
- As a part of our modernization plan, we have also tabled the Emergency Management Modernization Act (EMMA), that if passed, would strengthen provincial emergency management coordination, leadership, and support enhanced community emergency management capacity.
- Ontario Corps is part of the government’s $110 million investment over three years to strengthen and modernize emergency preparedness and response in the province, ensuring the people of Ontario are prepared for when emergencies happen.
- People of all skill levels and professional backgrounds are encouraged to volunteer for Ontario Corps to help their communities during emergencies. Volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome to apply.