The emergency management community plays an essential role in the safety and security of Canadians every day. They work selflessly to save lives, to protect our property and our environment, and to build resilience in our communities.
From a global pandemic to devastating extreme weather, including the current wildfire season - emergency management professionals and volunteers across Canada have once again shown their unwavering strength and commitment to keeping Canadians safe. Their incredible efforts during these challenging times is deserving of our utmost respect and gratitude.
Today, Minister Harjit Sajjan, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada, minister of Emergency Preparedness and minister responsible the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, along with P.E.I Public Safety Minister Bloyce Thompson, co-hosted a ceremony to recognize exemplary service and achievement in emergency management across Canada. The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award (EMESA) is delivered collaboratively by provincial, territorial, and federal governments and is awarded to individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions toward the resilience of our communities and our country.
This year, we celebrate the achievements of 124 remarkable individuals, representing a variety of professions and disciplines in the emergency management community: from emergency management professionals and volunteers across all levels of government to leaders from Indigenous communities, non-governmental organizations, youth, academia and professional associations.
Contributions being recognized range from leading high profile rescue operations and recovery efforts to major emergencies; enhancing public safety programming and policies to strengthen community resilience; and developing training exercises and education programs for first responders and other emergency management personnel.
