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...

Humanitarian Workforce Project – Phase 2 Update

On May 16, 2022, Public Safety Canada advised SARVAC that a submission for Phase 2 “Supporting a  Humanitarian Workforce to Respond to COVID-19 and Other Large-Scale Emergencies” program had  been approved with the formal agreement signed on July 6, 2022.   The...

Guidelines for SARVAC AdventureSmart Stipend

Guidelines for SARVAC AdventureSmart Stipend

The AdventureSmart Stipend is back! The purpose behind the stipend is to help offset minor travel and meal costs when delivering AdventureSmart programs (for parking, mileage and or meals over lunch time etc.) as no other cost are reimbursed. For teams to qualify for...

SARVAC Interim Assistant National Prevention Coordinators

The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada is proud to announce recent changes to the SARVAC/AdventureSmart team including the recruitment of two Interim Assistant National Coordinators in efforts to streamline and strengthen program direction under...

WELCOME TO SUMMER 2022 (Spring Recap)

WELCOME TO SUMMER 2022 (Spring Recap)

(Dedicated to the GSAR members from across Canada who we've lost this year) On behalf of SARVAC we want to wish all of our members, those in training (MITs), and auxiliary team members across the country a safe and happy Summer. If you're interested in what has...

 National Volunteer Week

This “National Volunteer Week,” let’s celebrate the empathy, compassion and generosity of volunteers that connect communities and build a stronger Canada A message from our President at SARVAC: "I'm struck by the compassion, energy, and enthusiasm that our volunteers...

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