Province Investing More Than $6.5 Million to Strengthen Ontario Corps

Table of Contents

1. Content
2. Quick Facts
3. Quotes
4. Additional Resources
5. Media Contacts

TORONTO-The Ontario government is investing more than $6.5 million in emergency preparedness grants to strengthen the response capabilities of Ontario Corps partners across the province and ensure they can get boots on the ground quickly when emergencies and natural disasters strike. Funding is being allocated to 13 Ontario Corps partners to support equipment, supplies and training as part of the government's plan to protect Ontario communities and ensure critical resources can be deployed at a moment's notice to keep residents safe.

"We are delivering on our plan to protect Ontario by bringing together Ontario Corps partners, skilled professionals, trained volunteers and equipment that can be deployed quickly when emergencies occur," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. "These partners support Ontarians who answer the call to help communities in their moment of need."

To date, the province has invested $21.5 million in Ontario Corps partners. Through these investments, the province has secured equipment such as debris removal tools and machinery, flood barriers, drones, mobile emergency shelters, food boxes and food trucks, personal protective equipment and other supplies. Equipment can be deployed within 24 to 72 hours after an emergency occurs. Partners will also conduct training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to respond quickly and effectively.

The Ontario Corps partners receiving funding are 211 Ontario, Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) Niagara, Feed Ontario, GlobalMedic, Habitat for Humanity, Independent First Nations Alliance, Kenora Chiefs Advisory - Ogimaawabiitong, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, Radio Amateurs of Canada, St. John Ambulance, The Salvation Army Canada and Team Rubicon Canada.

The announcement was made today to kick off Emergency Preparedness Week, a national week of significance that runs from May 3-9, 2026, to bring awareness to the actions people can take to be prepared for emergencies. Ontarians are reminded to:

• Make an emergency plan that considers the needs of everyone in your household;

• Build an emergency preparedness kit with enough non-perishable food, water and essentials to stay self-sufficient for up to three days;

• Stay informed should an emergency occur by having a portable, battery-operated or crank radio in your emergency kit in case of power outages.

For more helpful tips about keeping safe, visit Ontario.ca/BePrepared.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"As President of Radio Amateurs of/du Canada (RAC), I am proud of our ongoing partnership with the Ontario Corps through the Auxiliary Communications Services Program. Being part of this network reflects our deep commitment to public service and to ensuring that reliable communications are available when they are needed most. Amateur radio operators have a long-standing history of stepping up in times of crisis, and with the continued support through the ERaCB program, we are strengthening our ability to assist communities and emergency management partners across the province. Together with the leadership of Minister Jill Dunlop and her Ministry, we will continue to enhance Ontario's emergency preparedness and response capacity, helping to safeguard the well-being of all Ontarians."

- Allan Boyd
President of Radio Amateurs of/du Canada

"Through this grant The Salvation Army is able to focus on preparedness' and mitigation, strengthening recruitment and training to respond when emergencies happen in real time. Most recently, we deployed to Minden during the flooding, demonstrating that Ontario Corps Emergency Preparedness and Response remains committed to protecting and serving those affected by disasters across Ontario. We are grateful to Minister Dunlop for her support and for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, which helps make this critical work possible."

- Major Rick Zelinsky
Territorial Director of Emergency Disaster Service, The Salvation Army

"The 211 Ontario system partners are pleased to receive Emergency Readiness and Capacity Building funding to continue the important work that has taken place over the last two years. Working alongside MEPR and our Ontario Corps partners to coordinate response efforts will improve our ability to protect Ontarians when disasters occur, and new threats arise. We look forward to continuing this partnership with Minister Dunlop, Premier Ford, and the entire MEPR team."

- Karen Milligan
Executive Director, Ontario 211 Services

"Being an Ontario Corps partner is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. This support enables us to advance a provincial network of trauma-trained therapists and emergency response professionals who can offer timely, integrated psychosocial care when emergencies arise. As we deepen our commitment to truth and reconciliation and to addressing systemic inequities, we are working alongside the Province and Ontario Corps partners to ensure that communities across Ontario have access to compassionate, expert trauma support-before, during, and after times of crisis."

- Lori Gill
Executive Director, ATTCH Niagara

"Being an Ontario Corps partner is a meaningful step for Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA) and affirms the vital role we play in protecting communities across Ontario. Support through the Emergency Readiness and Capacity Building Fund enables us to strengthen training, resources, and operational readiness, ensuring OSARVA teams are well prepared to respond alongside provincial and local partners during emergencies. We are proud to continue contributing our expertise and commitment to a safer, more resilient Ontario."

- Emilie Kissler
Vice President & Northeast Director, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA)

"Kenora Chiefs Advisory has been leading supports in Social Emergency Management alongside its affiliated First Nation communities, including my community of Wauzhushk Onigum, since well before the pandemic. We are thankful, through this partnership with Ontario Corps, we've been able to provide direct, on-the-ground support to several First Nations during emergencies, while also building long-term capacity for community-led response. This funding has made a real difference in how we support people during times of crisis, and it allows us to continue strengthening emergency preparedness in a way that reflects the needs and realities of the communities we serve."

- Chief Chris Skead
Acting Board President, Kenora Chiefs Advisory

"Being part of Ontario Corps means showing up for Ontarians during their time of need. At GlobalMedic, we understand the importance of collaboration between experienced organizations and those looking to support their community, which is why we are proud to be a part of this program. We have been able to provide training, personnel and life-saving equipment to support impacted communities during severe storms, fires and floods. GlobalMedic is committed to strengthening the province's emergency preparedness and response, and we look forward to continuing to support communities across Ontario."

- Rahul Singh
Executive Director, GlobalMedic

Additional Resources