Earlier this week in Ottawa, SARVAC was pleased to participate in the Ready 2026 Conference, hosted by the Canadian Red Cross. We were represented in person by Lawrence Conway, Humanitarian Workforce (HWF) Program Director, with President Janelle Coultes joining virtually. The conference offered valuable opportunities to connect with federal leaders, emergency management partners, and fellow humanitarian workforce organizations, strengthening relationships across the emergency response sector.
We also appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, alongside national partners who work on the front lines of emergencies across Canada.
Through SARVAC’s Humanitarian Workforce partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) volunteers from across the country have supported responses to climate-driven emergencies, including deployments in Manitoba and Newfoundland this past summer. As emergencies become more frequent, complex, and severe, these partnerships are increasingly vital to ensuring effective and coordinated responses.
Now in its third year, Ready 2026 brought together more than 130 representatives from communities, organizations, First Nations, and all levels of government—representing over 50 organizations—to share lessons learned and enhance coordination for future emergencies.
Emergency preparedness affects every Canadian, and it was encouraging to witness such a strong spirit of collaboration. SARVAC is proud to contribute to this collective effort to help ensure Canada is ready when emergencies strike.