Province of Ontario

02/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/20/2026 08:07

Ontario Welcomes Labatt Breweries of Canada to Ontario Corps

Share

Content

LONDON-The Ontario government is expanding Ontario Corps by welcoming its latest partner, Labatt Breweries of Canada. Through Ontario Corps, the province is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by creating a network of partners and a corps of dedicated volunteers ready to respond to local emergencies and deploy critical resources at a moment's notice.

"Our government is thrilled to welcome Labatt as one of the first private-sector organizations to become an Ontario Corps partner," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. "By leveraging Labatt's supplies, personnel and expertise, we will be well equipped to keep Ontario safe, practiced and prepared for whatever comes our way."

As part of the agreement, Labatt could be called on during wildland fires, floods and other emergencies to donate supplies and resources to impacted communities such as cans of clean drinking water, trucks, drivers, cardboard boxes, forklifts, pallets, refrigeration facilities as well as access to large facilities. The company also has the capabilities to retool its machines to produce hand sanitizer and other essentials in the event of an emergency.

Labatt's Disaster Relief Program also provides safe drinking water to communities experiencing disasters. Since the program began in 2012, Labatt has donated more than one million cans of water to support communities in need across Canada.

Labatt is one of the first private-sector partners to join Ontario Corps since its creation in 2024. Ontario Corps brings together a province-wide network of skilled professionals and highly trained volunteers that can be mobilized quickly to help communities hit hard by emergencies, deploying resources like debris removal tools and machinery, supplies, flood barriers and drones at a moment's notice.

People of all skill levels and professional backgrounds are also encouraged to volunteer for Ontario Corps to help their communities during emergencies. Volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome to apply. They will be provided with initial training and matched with partner organizations based on their skill levels, interests and availability.

Quick Facts

  • Labatt Breweries of Canada is Canada's leading beverage company, employing 3,500+ people across the country, including more than 1,000 in Ontario. They operate a brewery in London, a distribution centre in Mississauga, and their Canadian head office is located in Toronto.

  • In July 2025, Labatt donated 40,000 cans of water to Pikangikum First Nation to help community members responding to a wildland fire. The wildland fire, located 12 kilometers south of Pikangikum First Nation, burned 33,739 hectares and forced approximately 2,000 community members from their homes.

  • Ontario Corps was successfully deployed on several occasions in 2025, including during the wildland fire response and the spring ice storm.

  • A new, state-of-the-art Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters will serve as the future home of Ontario Corps. This facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology needed to protect Ontario as the 24/7, year-round emergency command centre. With a modern home, Ontario Corps will have the tools they need to carry out critical operations and keep people safe.

Quotes

"At Labatt, supporting the communities where we operate has been a tradition for 178 years. Through our longstanding Disaster Relief Program, where we pause brewing beer to can water, we've seen firsthand how safe drinking water and essential supplies can make a difference during a crisis. Labatt's partnership with Ontario Corps strengthens our ability to respond when Ontarians need it most."

- Jeff Ryan
VP Corporate Affairs, Labatt Breweries of Canada

Additional Resources

Related Topics

Courts, justice and law

Ontario's laws and related information about our legal system, emergency services, the Ontario Provincial Police and victim services. Learn more

Government

Learn about the government services available to you and how government works. Learn more

Province of Ontario published this content on February 20, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 20, 2026 at 14:08 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]