Funding and additional partner organizations will improve province’s emergency response capabilities
The Ontario government is investing $10 million in emergency preparedness grants to strengthen the response capabilities of Ontario Corps partners around the province and ensure they can get boots on the ground quickly in case of an emergency. This funding is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by ensuring communities are better prepared to respond to local emergencies and have critical resources like debris removal tools and machinery, flood barriers and drones deployed at a moment’s notice.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario from all threats – from wildland fires to flooding, ice storms or whatever else may come our way,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “With 13 participating Ontario Corps partners so far, we’re investing in made-in-Ontario solutions to support local emergency responders as soon as we’re needed.”
The province is also welcoming 13 partner organizations to Ontario Corps, with more expected to join. Partners include: Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) Niagara, Feed Ontario, GlobalMedic, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex, Independent First Nations Alliance, St. John Ambulance, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, Kenora Chiefs Advisory – Ogimaawabiitong, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA), Ontario 211, Radio Amateurs of Canada, The Salvation Army and Team Rubicon Canada.
Ontario Corps brings a province-wide network of skilled professionals and highly trained volunteers that can be mobilized quickly to help communities hit hard by emergencies. Items partners have already used grants to purchase include emergency food kits, GPS devices, satellite phones, canteen trucks, portable shelters, training volunteers for drone piloting and more.
During the ice storm that left thousands of Ontarians in the dark and cold earlier this year, Ontario Corps partners were deployed, volunteering over 6,000 hours, providing tree-clearing services and supporting evacuation reception centres, providing over 3,700 meals and food hampers, and conducting over 4,100 wellness checks.
To join Ontario Corps, visit: Become a Volunteer – Ontario Corps Volunteer Registration Portal.
Quick Facts
- Premier Ford announced the launch of Ontario Corps on December 13, 2024.
- Ontario Corps resources are coordinated and deployed by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) at the request of a municipality or First Nations community.
- Through Ontario Corps, the government can deploy specialized equipment and personnel anywhere across Ontario within 24 to 72 hours to help support community response efforts.
- In May 2025, the government re-introduced the Emergency Management Modernization Act (EMMA) to enhance public safety and disaster response measures, including by making Ontario Corps a key function of emergency responses in the province.
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
