The diversity and vastness of Canada's landscapes offer a unique challenge when it comes to search and rescue (SAR) operations, and regular improvements are key to saving people when they are in distress.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced over $2.8 million in funding to the Canadian Public Safety Operations Organization for their three-year initiative entitled Sustainable Search and Rescue National Incident Data Management.
Public Safety will fund the initiative through the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF), which annually provides funding for projects that will improve Canada's search and rescue system.
With this new funding, the Canadian Public Safety Operations Organization will address an important information gap that currently exists by setting up a national system to gather data on ground search and rescue (SAR) incidents across Canada.
They will bring stakeholders, including police forces, together to create national data governance and stewardship, and promote effective information-sharing practices. Nationally combined SAR incident data will identify trends and patterns and provide vital insights for decision-making in prevention, preparedness, and response efforts at all levels of government and the SAR community.
Canada's SAR system is built on the dedication and hard work of professionals and volunteers. The Government of Canada is committed to advancing search and rescue to minimize Canadians' risk of injury or loss of life.
