Canada's vast and challenging landscapes make search and rescue (SAR) operations increasingly difficult, especially as climate‑related emergencies grow more frequent. Strengthening our SAR system requires sustained, coordinated efforts to ensure responders can reach people in distress wherever they are.
Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, launched a call for proposals for the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF).
The SAR NIF program is designed to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, economy, and innovation of SAR activities across Canada. The SAR NIF program provides up to $6.5M annually for new and ongoing projects that improve prevention and response to calls for assistance.
Building on this commitment to further support search and rescue across the country, the Government of Canada has also announced a one-time investment of $2.86M for seven projects, funded through SAR NIF, to help enhance Canada's search and rescue capacity. This investment will support a wide range of projects, from strengthening SAR training, leadership, governance, and volunteer recruitment and retention, to building response capacity in communities and advancing tools that improve coordination and prevention efforts.
The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening search and rescue by working with provinces, territories, communities, specialized organizations, and individuals to reduce the risk of injury and loss of life and to ensure timely, effective emergency response.
