Ontario Introduces Emergency Management Modernization Act to Address Evolving Threats

TORONTO — The Ontario government has proposed the Emergency Management Modernization Act, aiming to strengthen the province’s preparedness for emergencies such as floods, wildland fires, and cyber-attacks. This legislation represents the first comprehensive updates to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) in over 15 years.

Announced by Trevor Jones, Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, the legislation seeks to create a more coordinated and effective approach to emergency prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery across the province.

“The rise of extreme weather events and cyber-attacks means the nature of modern emergencies has changed,” Jones stated. “By modernizing our emergency management legislation, we will ensure Ontario remains ready to respond to these new challenges and keep people and communities safe.”

Today, I introduced the Emergency Management and Modernization Act which, if passed, will give municipalities and our emergency management partners more tools to ensure that Ontario is ready for any emergencies we may face.

Learn more: https://t.co/5TrKm77iJh pic.twitter.com/tbcwNPyxOn

— Trevor Jones (@TrevorJonesCKL) December 9, 2024

If passed, the updated EMCPA will strengthen provincial leadership, with Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) taking on an enhanced role as a central hub for coordinating emergency efforts. This “one-window” approach aims to streamline communication and allocate resources more efficiently during emergencies.

The legislation also emphasizes the importance of community-led approaches, supporting municipalities in designing emergency management programs tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, it clarifies the process for municipalities to declare local emergencies and request provincial assistance.

The proposed legislation aligns with the government’s Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan (PEMSAP), introduced in 2023. PEMSAP outlines key actions to bolster the province’s readiness and response capabilities, ensuring communities across Ontario are better equipped before, during, and after emergencies.

The modernization efforts come as Ontario faces increasing risks from extreme weather and other evolving threats, underscoring the need for a robust and adaptive emergency management framework. The government anticipates that these changes will better protect people and communities while fostering resilience across the province.

Key Highlights of the Proposed EMCPA Amendments:

• Strengthened provincial coordination and leadership through Emergency Management Ontario.
• Support for municipalities to develop customized emergency management programs.
• Clarified procedures for declaring local emergencies and requesting assistance.

The government’s renewed focus on emergency management reflects Ontario’s commitment to safeguarding residents amid a rapidly changing risk landscape.