Directors of Emergency Management Meet in Halifax

EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION--Directors of Emergency Management Meet in Halifax

Canadian and American emergency management experts are in Halifax this week, June 25-27,to discuss ways to improve cross-border collaboration in times of emergency.

This year's meeting of the International Emergency Management Group is taking place at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax.

"This conference is an excellent opportunity for emergency co- ordinators from both Canada and the United States to talk about the issues and opportunities facing emergency management," said Tim Olive, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act, who will speak at the conference. "It is a chance for participants to share their knowledge and strengthen co-operation in emergency management."

Some of the topics scheduled for discussion include SARS, U.S.- Canadian mutual aid and Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue.

More than 40 participants will take part in the three-day event. Representing Canada are delegates from all four Atlantic provinces as well as Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. Delegates from the United States represent Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

The International Emergency Management Group develops the plans and protocols to ensure that mutual aid can be promptly and efficiently delivered across provincial, state and international borders. Its mandate is to consult and facilitate co-ordination of emergency management.

The group meets semi-annually, with the spring meeting in Canada and the fall meeting in the United States.