On Wednesday, August 20, The Nation municipality received almost $50,000 in provincial funding to purchase new emergency preparedness equipment and provide staff training. Ontario Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop was on hand to make the announcement.
The funding comes through the Ontario government’s Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, which strengthens local emergency response and infrastructure. The Nation was one of 114 funding recipients across the province.
The Nation has used this funding to purchase emergency response equipment, including a trailer, chainsaws, chains, and cordless LED area lights, and to provide CPR and First Aid training for municipal staff and the public.
“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 Dunlop, noting that the provincial government is also building a new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response headquarters in Etobicoke near the Toronto Pearson International Airport to support public safety and disaster response.
The Nation’s Mayor, Francis Brière, explained that the community needs the equipment and training to enhance community safety and disaster response. “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 and training.”
Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Member for Provincial Parliament (MPP) Stéphane Sarrazin added, “Recent storms have shown the importance of investing in resources, equipment, and training to protect residents, neighbours, and families.”
Photos by Philip Oddi:
