Casselman – The Ontario government is taking action to protect the province by investing close to $50,000 in The Nation Municipality to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Funding is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, which strengthens emergency preparedness by funding local emergency management training, purchasing critical equipment, and improving infrastructure to make communities more resilient.
“As MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, I am proud to see the Ontario government investing in the safety and resilience of The Nation Municipality,” said Stéphane Sarrazin. “This funding through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant will provide essential equipment and training to help our first responders and community members respond quickly and effectively during emergencies. Supporting communities in their preparedness efforts ensures that Ontarians are safer and better protected when disaster strikes.”
The Nation Municipality used this funding to purchase emergency response equipment, including a trailer and chainsaws, to clear debris, manage damaged infrastructure, and support recovery efforts during emergencies. The funding also made it possible to provide staff with training to ensure the safe operation of the new equipment. In addition, the Municipality offered free First Aid, CPR, and AED certification sessions to residents, helping build a more resilient and prepared community where neighbours, friends, and family members can confidently step in to assist until emergency responders arrive.
“In recent years, our community has faced scary emergency situations, including major wind events and winter storms. Being prepared and properly equipped is essential to keeping everyone safe. We are pleased to welcome Minister Jill Dunlop to The Nation and to show how the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is making a real difference. Thanks to this provincial support, we have been able to strengthen the safety and readiness of our staff and residents through the purchase of vital equipment, training, and resources. Initiatives like these reinforce our community’s resilience and ensure we are ready to respond effectively to emergencies.” stated Francis Brière, Mayor of The Nation Municipality
“A safe and prepared Ontario comes when communities and organizations have the resources they need to respond efficiently and effectively in times of crisis,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “I saw first-hand, during the spring ice storms, how our community and the entire province is stronger when we have the capacity to come together to support each other and respond quickly when disaster strikes.”
This year, 114 recipients are receiving funding through the 2024-25 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) to help them purchase critical equipment and deliver emergency management training to increase local emergency readiness.
In addition to the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, the Ontario government recently announced that it is building a new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will support public safety and disaster response measures, including Ontario Corps.
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