Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced the creation of Ontario Corps, a collection of skilled professionals and volunteers who the province can mobilize to respond to emergency situations. It is part of Ontario's $110 million investment into emergency preparedness and response.
Ontario Corps is partnered with organizations like Feed Ontario, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, Salvation Army, GlobalMedic, and Team Rubicon Canada. Ontario Corps volunteers, along with equipment provided by the province, will be able to respond to emergencies across Ontario within 24 to 72 hours.
Ontario Corps is based on a pilot project the province implemented in Gravenhurst earlier this month after sudden and extreme heavy snowfall. Ontario Corps partners assisted residents with maintaining a warming centre, ensuring access to food, and performing wellness checks.
"Emergency management has evolved significantly across Ontario over the years and Ontario Corps is an important part of the story. We're grateful to Premier Ford and the Government of Ontario for all their support through our emergency in Gravenhurst," said Gravenhurst mayor Heidi Lorenz. "We called and they answered. We are certain that Ontario Corps will be a useful resource to other communities experiencing emergencies in the future."
The provincial government advises communities in need of assistance with emergency response to contact Emergency Management Ontario through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre.
"I've seen firsthand the incredible community spirit and dedication to volunteerism that we share throughout Ontario," said Premier Ford. "With the launch of Ontario Corps, we're harnessing the Ontario spirit to help communities and neighbours in need deal with natural disasters and other emergencies, while providing additional resources to keep our communities safe."
The premier encourages Ontarians of any skill level and background to apply to join the team at Ontario Corps and be ready to help their communities.
**this story was written by Julia DeJong, a 4th year journalism student at Carleton University, who is doing an internship with Blackburn Media