The Provincial Government is enhancing the way it helps residents prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters.

The Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands is assuming responsibility for emergency services in Newfoundland and Labrador to better align with the Provincial Government’s commitment to ensure people live in safer communities. This also includes the responsibility for the Conception Bay North Response and Recovery.

Previously housed under the Department of Justice and Public Safety, the Emergency Services Branch is responsible for developing and implementing Newfoundland and Labrador’s emergency management response. This move better aligns with the ongoing work of the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands’ wildfire suppression program.

The Emergency Services Branch will continue to assist citizens, communities, partners and governments in preparing to mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters, while maintaining a modern and robust emergency management system in the province. This occurs in collaboration with a wide range of important emergency management partners and stakeholders.

Quotes
“Protecting people and communities is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a government. This change is about making sure we are better prepared both before emergencies happen, and when they happen. By aligning emergency services with the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, we are strengthening our ability to respond to the realities we’re facing, especially when it comes to wildfires. It brings expertise together and ensures a more coordinated, modern approach to emergency management. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians expect us to be ready, and this is another step in making sure we are. This will make our communities safer for all of us.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our government is working to ensure we are as prepared as possible to respond to natural disasters such as floods, storms, and wildfires. Last summer’s wildfires had a profound and lasting impact on our communities and residents. Our approach to emergency management must be coordinated and collaborative. With a wealth of experience in wildfire management, the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands is well equipped to carry out the Emergency Services mandate.”
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands

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