Government proposing to modernize legislation for the first time in more than 15 years
On Monday, December 9, 2024, the Ontario government is taking steps to better prepare Ontario for floods, wildland fires and other emergencies with the introduction of the Emergency Management Modernization Act. The proposed legislation aims to update and strengthen the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), ensuring a more effective, coordinated and comprehensive approach to provincial and municipal emergency prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
“The rise of extreme weather events and cyber-attacks means the nature of modern emergencies has changed,” said Trevor Jones, Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “By modernizing our emergency management legislation, we will ensure Ontario remains ready to respond to these new challenges and keep people and communities safe.”
If passed, the new EMCPA amendments — the first comprehensive updates in more than 15 years — would modernize Ontario’s emergency management framework by strengthening provincial leadership and coordination. Emergency Management Ontario would enhance its role as the central hub, or “one window,” for coordinating provincial emergency management efforts, streamlining communication and resources. The proposed legislation also prioritizes community-led approaches, helping municipalities design emergency management programs that reflect their unique needs and capacities.
Additionally, the process for municipalities to declare local emergencies would be clarified, including procedures for emergency declarations and requests for assistance.
The legislation builds on the government’s Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan (PEMSAP). Introduced in 2023, the PEMSAP highlights key actions the province is taking to ensure communities across Ontario are safe, practiced and prepared before, during and after emergencies.
Quick Facts
- This proposed legislative modernization is informed by valuable feedback from partners, best practices in emergency management, and lessons learned from past emergencies. Over the summer, Emergency Management Ontario engaged with more than 480 partners, including municipalities, First Nations communities, and emergency management organizations during 45 engagements. Ninety written submissions were also received on a publicly posted discussion guide.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
