The Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, along with the Honourable Craig Pardy, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board Secretariat, will be available to the media tomorrow (Friday, April 24). Minister Forsey will speak to the Auditor General’s report on Emergency Management and Business Continuity Plans. The availability will take place outside the House of Assembly at 9:00 a.m.

The following statement is from the Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands:

“This government is committed to ensuring safer communities for all of us. We accept all 10 of the Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador’s recommendations for improving emergency policy management and planning.

The scope of the review occurred under the watch of the previous Liberal government. Our approach to emergency management will be coordinated, collaborative, and carefully managed.

The Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, which recently assumed responsibility for Emergency Services, has already addressed some of the issues raised related to policy management. These include:

• Developing, updating and monitoring government-wide and department-specific Business Continuity Plans.
• Approving and monitoring Municipal Emergency Management Plans.
• Updating and monitoring the Provincial Emergency Management Plan.

Dealing with emergency situations, such as the 2025 wildfires, flooding in Badger, and other emerging situations, can divert focus and attention from administrative and planning duties. However, we acknowledge the vital importance of this work and will follow the Auditor General’s guidance to improve.

To further improve the timely development, review and oversight of emergency management policies, we will outline our plan to support Emergency Services at a pre-budget announcement on Friday, April 24.

We have a plan to enhance policy development, training and public safety, and further strengthen direct ties with municipalities.

Our government is working to ensure we are as prepared as possible to respond to natural disasters such as floods, storms, and wildfires. That’s why we recently moved responsibility for Emergency Services from Justice and Public Safety to Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

Bringing these agencies together creates a stronger and seamless emergency response team, building on the experience and expertise of highly skilled public service employees working to strengthen critical responses and coordination.

We appreciate the strong working relationships we have fostered with community partners throughout the province. These partnerships are vital, and we are grateful to all communities, residents and leaders for their shared commitment to safer communities for all of us.

We thank the Auditor General for her report, which will help improve how we deliver and manage emergency service in Newfoundland and Labrador for all of us.”

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