ACEC proposes Canadian emergency response team

ACEC has proposed to the federal government the creation of an Emergency Response Team consisting of private and public sector players. The team would help in addressing international crisis conditions resulting, for instance, from natural disasters like earthquakes, floods or hurricanes.

In making the recommendation to CIDA Minister Maria Minna, ACEC suggested that a quick mobilization of Canadian resources would provide immediate support to disaster-stricken communities in areas of greatest need. For instance, two of the most pressing requirements in the aftermath of last summer’s earthquake in Turkey were the need to restore fresh water and to assess the structural integrity of the buildings left standing. Had a roster of qualified private sector engineering firms existed at the time, Canadian consulting engineers could have been on site within 24 hours to provide essential services and to bring badly needed support to people and basic infrastructure devastated by the earthquake.

ACEC believes there is a role for the private sector to play in concert with the federal government in strengthening Canada’s response time and contribution to disaster efforts.

ACEC is currently requesting information from member firms interested in participating in this venture.