Emergency Social Services Agreement Renewed

When fire broke out in a Dartmouth apartment building in June forcing almost 100 people out of their homes, the Department of Community Services and the Canadian Red Cross, provided emergency social services like shelter, food and clothing.

This assistance is part of a 10-year-old agreement that brings the two organizations together to help Nova Scotians during an emergency. The agreement was renewed today, Jan. 5, by Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse and John Byrne, director general for Atlantic Canada, Canadian Red Cross.

"Helping Nova Scotians in need, especially during an emergency, is a responsibility we take very seriously. It is important that those affected receive the best possible care," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "I am delighted to renew our agreement with the Canadian Red Cross and to celebrate 10 successful years as partners."

Mr. Byrne said people in all areas of the province who have been evacuated during emergency events have benefited from the agreement.

"The renewal of this agreement gives the Red Cross a solid foundation for effective planning and procurement," said Mr. Byrne. "It also allows us to recruit and provide specialized training to our volunteers, who are key to the success of the emergency social services we deliver."

The agreement was originally signed in April 2000. Under it, the province engages the Canadian Red Cross to provide six emergency social services to Nova Scotians in disasters or emergencies affecting more than 10 residential units, or more than 25 people. The agreement ensures evacuees have access to emergency lodging, food, clothing, reception and information services, family reunification support and a range of other personal services.

The agreement has been activated during major forest fires, floods and other evacuations in recent months. A typical example is the June fire that caused extensive damage to a large apartment building in Dartmouth that kept some tenants out of their homes for up to a week, while others had to relocate for months, or permanently.

"The Red Cross came through for our tenants by setting up a shelter, helping them out with clothing, medication and other essentials," said A.J. Clarke, leasing manager, Compass Commercial Realty. "Some people lost everything. The Red Cross, in partnership with Community Services staff and others, gave us the time we needed to house our tenants in other buildings, and get them into longer-term shelter."

Under the agreement, the department reimburses the Red Cross for any direct expenses incurred during a response and contributes $100,000 per year towards preparedness. These costs include training volunteers and staff, as well as acquiring and maintaining disaster relief equipment and supplies, which are on standby in eight communities provincewide.