Preparedness
Planning
The GOC strengthens national emergency preparedness by identifying high-risk events that require coordination across departments and agencies. It does this by developing integrated Government of Canada contingency plans, ensures the plans are exercised, and that a process is in place for continuous improvement.
Activities include
- Providing a common understanding of the emergency management planning environment to all federal organizations with these responsibilities
- Advising government institutions about the preparation, maintenance, testing and implementation of emergency management plans
- Conducting operational planning based on risk assessment and/or capability gaps to produce either contingency or response plans
- Determining emergency management planning priorities in collaboration with the federal community
- Based on provincial and territorial requirements, and when requested, helping to coordinate the resources and capabilities of federal departments and agencies, other provinces, territories, non-governmental organizations and the private sector
All-hazards approach
The GOC is ready to respond to any situation, at any time. Its all-hazards approach to planning, response and support recognizes the initial commonalities across different types of emergencies and provides the framework for swift response, under any circumstance.
The all-hazards approach means the Government of Canada can adapt quickly when a province or territory asks for help. Learn more about the All-Hazards Risk Assessment.
Cyclical events
Every year, three types of natural hazards impact Canadians in different ways, often requiring federal response: floods, wildfires and hurricanes. The GOC works with federal, provincial and territorial partners to review their contingency plans to deal with these hazards annually.
The GOC prepares the Government of Canada's Cyclical Event Response Plan to guide federal partners, such as departments and agencies including Public Safety regional offices, in their efforts to support provinces and territories to respond using federal capabilities.
Continuous improvement
The GOC's Continuous Improvement Program contributes to future planning and policy for emergency preparedness by identifying and integrating the lessons learned from emergency events and exercises.
The program
- Conducts research
- Leads consultations
- Develops after-action reports with strategic-level analysis and recommendations.
Federal partners, including the GOC, develop after-action reports and lessons learned after major events. These reports capture best practices and recommendations to improve future responses.
This program coordinates and develops whole-of-government after-action reports and co-leads interdepartmental efforts to keep partners aware of best practices. By taking this centralized and coordinated approach, the GOC enhances the readiness of the federal government and provides the evidence to support decision-making by senior officials.
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