July 2024

• After widespread flooding in Toronto on July 18, Global Medic demonstrated the use of Water-Gate portable flood barriers, which could help protect infrastructure in future emergencies. See the demo video HERE. 

• As of July 21, there are 20 wildland fires active in Northern Ontario, of which 2 were not under control at the time of this post. 170 fires have been reported year-to-date. See the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry's interactive Forest Fire Info Map for up-to-date details. 

• An update to cyber security firm CrowdStrike's Falcon software on July 19 led to many Windows and Microsoft 365 users experiencing the blue screen of death (BSOD). Remediation tools are available at Crowdstrike and Microsoft. 

• Emergency Management Ontario is engaging partners and stakeholders on proposed modernization of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to support a safe, practiced and prepared Ontario. The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) establishes the province’s legal framework for managing emergencies by defining the authority and responsibilities accorded to provincial ministries, municipalities, and to specific individuals. In 2023, the province released the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan, which outlines Ontario’s vision and roadmap for emergency management. One goal of a modernized EMCPA is to deliver on and align with the goals and actions outlined in the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan.
  To participate, please review Discussion Guide: Engagement on Proposed Modernization of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and forward your response to EMOPolicy@Ontario.ca . The discussion guide will be open for feedback until August 26, 2024.

June 2024

• York Pride teams up with emergency preparedness organizations, including risk assessment and an EOC to keep the community safe during June's Pride Fest. 
• Government of Canada supports the development of mental health resources to help communities plan for and respond to emergencies. See news release HERE 
• OAEM is thrilled to welcome the York University Disaster and Emergency Management Student Association (DEMSA), Seneca School of Public Safety, Fanshawe College School of Public Safety, Algonquin College Police and Public Safety Institute and Public Safety Canada to our Student Engagement Committee (SEC). Looking forward to expanding our relationship and creating pathways for success!
• PetSmart Charities of Canada Shines a  spotlight on disaster planning for Pet Preparedness Month, with resources ranging from checklists for evacuating with a pet to disaster response funding for family pets.
• Toronto Pearson Airport conducts its annual security exercise, a simulated large scale explosion (bomb threat) at Terminal 1, on the evening of June 8th 2024. 
• OAEM congratulates Hon. Trevor Jones Ontario MPP Chatham-Kent-Leamington on his appointment as the new Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response as part of Treasury Board Secretariat.
• The Work and Mental Health Lab at Queen’s University are inviting first responders and public safety personnel in Ontario to participate in a survey-based research study titled Public safety personnel mental wellness: The impact of organizational factors. The study is focused on understanding how organizational factors impact the mental wellness and work outcomes of first responders and public safety personnel. Findings have the potential to influence local, provincial, and national groups, shaping work policies and practices. Participants in this study will contribute to a better understanding of how workplaces can support the well-being of individuals in the public safety sector. Benefits may also extend to families and communities, fostering healthier workplace environments. A link to the survey is available HERE.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada announces a $530 million investment in the Green Municipal Fund to assist municipalities with climate adaptation implementation projects. Eligible projects include public cooling/warming infrastructure, critical backup power, flood mitigation and wildfire risk mitigation. Deadline for applications is August 14, 2024.
• On May 29, 2024 the Federal government released the Climate Science 2050: National Priorities for Climate Change Science and Knowledge Report. The report is closely aligned with the themes in the original CS2050, but also reflects the need for transdisciplinary science to address convergence research topics. It reflects the importance of advancing science on multiple fronts, including the disaster and emergency management sector. 

May 2024 

• Board Announcements
  • OAEM is thrilled to welcome Oliver Moloney and Bethany Lee to the Board of Directors! 
  • OAEM welcomes Kevin Bull to the new role of Vice-President (Executive Board).  
• Save the Date! OAEM's Annual General Meeting will take place on November 8, 2024. Stay tuned for details. 
• Call for Student Engagement Committee (SEC) members. To learn more, contact Mubin Shaikh Director of Student Engagement at education@oaem.ca 
• CPD Offerings
  • OAEM and FESTI to co-host the FEMA Public Information Officer Awareness Training Certificate Course with FEMA Instructor Rob Keller (PIO/JIC) at the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute in Mississauga. This 3 day, in person course is scheduled for October 1-3, 2024. Registration is now open. Spaces are limited. 
  • Scribe Training for the EOC: Decision making and documentation with Training Facilitator Monique Rollin. Join OAEM for a 1 day virtual workshop. Registration is now open for the September 16, 2024 workshop offering. 

• Join OAEM's Emergency Management Spotlight Series webinar event for May 2024 featuring guest speaker Thomas Rolfe, Ministry of Transportation Emergency Response Coordinator Northern Remote Airports. Learn about MTO's northern remote airport operations and their vital transportation link to Indigenous communities and essential services.