Ontario Launches Volunteer Corps for Emergency Response
Premier Doug Ford has announced the establishment of the Ontario Corps, a volunteer initiative aimed at enhancing the province's response to emergencies such as natural disasters. The Ontario Corps will consist of skilled professionals and volunteers who can be mobilized to assist communities in need. This initiative is inspired by models like AmeriCorps and aims to work with non-governmental organizations and First Nations partners.
The Ontario Corps is designed to provide on-the-ground assistance, including emergency shelter, debris management, food services, and flood protection. Partner organizations include Feed Ontario, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, Salvation Army, GlobalMedic, and Team Rubicon Canada.
To support these efforts, the province has procured equipment such as flood mitigation barriers, drones, and water pumps. This equipment, along with volunteers, can be deployed anywhere in Ontario within 24 to 72 hours.
The province is also establishing an Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters in Etobicoke, near Toronto Pearson International Airport. This facility will serve as a hub for coordinated emergency responses and will include training rooms and storage for equipment.
Additionally, a regional emergency hub is being developed in Timmins in partnership with Northern College to enhance emergency readiness in Northern Ontario. Four more hubs are planned across the province to provide timely support during emergencies.
The Ontario Corps is part of a $110 million investment over three years to strengthen emergency preparedness and response across the province.