News

Alberta Regional Engagement Session Recap!

Earlier this week, representatives from Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, several Alberta First Nations, SARVAC, and Holistic Emergency Preparedness gathered in Edmonton — on the traditional territory of First Nations and Métis, and covered under Treaty 6  —...

Role-Specific & Leadership Resources

📚 Role-Specific & Leadership Resources As part of SARVAC’s Indigenous Awareness Campaign, we’re offering leadership-level resources to strengthen cultural competency and support respectful, community-centered HWF deployments. This awareness also supports local...

Cultural Awareness Strengthens Search and Rescue Response

Cultural Awareness Strengthens Search and Rescue Response November 2–8 marks Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario— an opportunity for Ontarians, and Canadians more broadly, to deepen understanding and engagement with Indigenous peoples as part of the ongoing process...

Can you guess who’s who?

We’re proud to welcome back our re-elected SARVAC Executive! 🙌 Janelle Coultes – SARVAC President Guy Lapointe – SARVAC Vice President Bobbi Buchanan – SARVAC Secretary Jason Hudson – SARVAC Treasurer Although not everyone could be present for a photo opportunity...

2025 SARVAC Humanitarian Workforce Wildfire Operations Recap 

July 15 – August 29, 2025 More than 179 trained Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) volunteers from across Canada answered the call to support wildfire response. Deployment Highlights Manitoba 107 responders 783 person-days Newfoundland & Labrador 88 responders 656...
CSA Z1620 and Z1625 Core Competency Draft Standards Update

CSA Z1620 and Z1625 Core Competency Draft Standards Update

Please be advised that the updated CSA Z1620 and Z1625 Core Competency and Curriculum Draft Standards have been posted for 60 day Public Review on CSA’s Public Review Website. These Standards provide core competency and training curriculum requirements for Ground...

NSS Now Accepting SARN NIF  Funding Proposals for 2024-2025

NSS Now Accepting SARN NIF Funding Proposals for 2024-2025

The National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) is NOW accepting funding proposals under the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF) for 2024-2025. Public Safety Canada invites eligible applicants to submit applications for projects that support the updated...

COUNTDOWN TO SARSCENE 2023

Today marks the ONE week countdown to the start of SARscene 2023 and official kick-off with the SAR games next Thursday, at the Rotary Sunshine Park’s outdoor recreational facility hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association (NLSARA) from...

$82M FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT

“When emergencies strike, local organizations and community volunteers are often among the first on the scene and provide vital support—from assisting with evacuation efforts, to opening shelters and providing food, clothing, and compassion to those with nowhere else...

Emergency Preparedness Week Toolkit

May 7-13, 2023 This year we are back to take an active role in helping build a culture of preparedness in Canada and Emergency Preparedness Week with this year's theme: “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.” While governments at all levels are working hard to keep Canada...

National Volunteer Week – Volunteering Weaves Us Together

Let’s celebrate our individual and collective actions in creating a strong, interconnected and vibrant SAR community here in Canada! Being a GSAR volunteer weaves us together, strengthening the fabric of our community by sharing our time, talent and energy to support...

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