News

Government of Canada Invests $3 Million to Strengthen Volunteer Search and Rescue Across Canada

August 13, 2026 The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is grateful to the Government of Canada for its continued confidence in SARVAC and its support of the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and expertise to helping...

Strengthening Disaster Response: Volunteers Take Part in 2026 Multi-Jurisdictional Search Exercise

More than 80 search and rescue volunteers. Three provinces. One mission: be ready when disaster strikes. Last month, SARVAC President Janelle Coultes joined volunteers from Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba for the 2026 Multi-Jurisdictional Search Exercise (MJSE) in...

Thanks TD for $25,000 Donation Supporting Humanitarian Workforce Program

The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is pleased to recognize TD for its generous $25,000 donation in support of SARVAC's Humanitarian Workforce (HWF) Program. This investment will help strengthen SARVAC's ability to support communities across...

Remembering Kevin “Dwight” Holloway

It is with great sadness that the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) shares the passing of Kevin “Dwight” Holloway, a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for search and rescue in Canada. Dwight served as SARVAC’s Executive Director from...

SARVAC President Janelle Coultes Appointed Co-Chair of the Ground Search and Rescue Council of Canada

SARVAC is pleased to announce that President Janelle Coultes has been appointed Co-Chair of the Ground Search and Rescue Council of Canada (GSARCC). The GSAR Council of Canada brings together provincial and territorial search and rescue authorities, along with...
(GSAR-NCP) Program Certification Recognition 

(GSAR-NCP) Program Certification Recognition 

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...

SARVAC HWF: First Train the Trainer Workshop

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...

Are you a Search and Rescue Volunteer in Canada?

Did you know that you can provide input into critical research on post-traumatic stress injuries for the SAR community that will help determine the next steps of what volunteers need in the way of mental health resources across Canada. If you are a SAR volunteer,...

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...

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