News

Strengthening National Search and Rescue Leadership – Coast to Coast to Coast

Posted on November 27, 2024 at 15:19 in General News

This past weekend in Toronto, SARVAC’s Humanitarian Workforce Program (HWF) proudly hosted its “Train the Trainer” event! The workshop’s mission? To empower champions within each Provincial/Territorial (P/T) Association to amplify SARVAC’s HWF program. These champions are vital in preparing Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) responders across Canada for future emergencies as disasters grow in frequency […]

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How can GSAR volunteers in Canada contribute to disaster relief?

Posted on October 9, 2024 at 15:23 in General News

We’re thrilled to share the recent completion of our Full-Scale Exercise “Effective Impact 2024,” held on October 5th in Constance Bay, Ottawa! This one-day event brought together over 100 GSAR volunteers to simulate disaster relief in response to a powerful hurricane and an unexpected tornado that struck the region. Participants tested key phases of our […]

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Full Scale Exercise (FSX): Effective Impact 2024 Observer/VIP Program

Posted on September 13, 2024 at 15:53 in General News

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Full-Scale Exercise (FSX) “Effective Impact 2024,” set to take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024! Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDSTLocation: Community Centres City of Ottawa, Constance Buckham’s Bay, 262 Len Purcell Drive, Woodlawn, ON K0A 3MO We look forward to showcasing the remarkable skills and readiness […]

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Attention Search and Rescue (SAR) Volunteers!

Posted on August 9, 2024 at 15:19 in General News

Your dedication and bravery in air, ground, and marine operations are invaluable. But we know that the mental health challenges that are faced are significant and often unrecognized. That’s why we’re reaching out for your help. A research team from the University of Regina supported by Public Safety Canada, The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association […]

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Welcome Home all GSAR Volunteers deployed to Labrador as part of the Humanitarian Workforce Program (HWF)

Posted on July 31, 2024 at 18:15 in General News

We are thrilled to welcome back all GSAR volunteers who were deployed to Labrador as part of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada, Humanitarian Workforce Program (HWF). Your dedicated support followed the mobilization of volunteers from Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, and came after the Evacuation Order for the Town of Labrador […]

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Emergency Update: Wildfire Response in Labrador City

Posted on July 19, 2024 at 15:22 in General News

Earlier this week Public Safety Canada approved a “green light” request for assistance to deploy, in response to ongoing wildfires devastating the surrounding areas of Labrador City. Thousands of residents have been evacuated to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and HWF Responders have been mobilized with approximately 30 Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) volunteers on site to […]

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Welcome to the team Rick Power, our new National Prevention Coordinator at SARVAC!

Posted on June 26, 2024 at 14:28 in General News

Welcome to the team Rick Power, our new National Prevention Coordinator at the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada! Meet Rick: Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, Rick’s roots run deep in the natural beauty of Canada. His passion for the outdoors blossomed early, fueled by a love for hiking, camping, […]

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Exciting News for Volunteer Firefighters and Search & Rescue Volunteers!

Posted on April 10, 2024 at 16:32 in General News

The Department of Finance Canada has just announced a significant boost in support for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers. In the upcoming Budget 2024, tax credits for these selfless individuals is expected to be doubled, increasing from $3,000 to $6,000 annually starting this year. This move recognizes the vital role these individuals play […]

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(GSAR-NCP) Program Certification Recognition 

Posted on March 27, 2024 at 19:51 in General News

Congratulations to Patrick Reid from Battlefords Search and Rescue for your achievement in becoming a certified Team Leader under The Ground Search and Rescue – National Certification Pilot (GSAR-NCP) program. The program, designed to uphold the CSA Z1620-15 Core competency standards for ground search and rescue operations, provides national recognition to individuals who have completed […]

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SARVAC HWF: First Train the Trainer Workshop

Posted on March 5, 2024 at 20:59 in General News

This past weekend was exciting for the SARVAC Humanitarian Workforce (HWF) program and various GSAR responders across the country as the first SARVAC HWF Train the Trainer workshop was rolled out. The purpose of these workshops is to train champions within each Provincial/Territorial (P/T) Association. These champions will assist SARVAC and their local associations in […]

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