Earlier this week Public Safety Canada approved a “green light” request for assistance to deploy, in response to ongoing wildfires devastating the surrounding areas of Labrador City. Thousands of residents have been evacuated to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and HWF Responders have been mobilized with approximately 30 Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) volunteers on site to […]
Read full storyWelcome to the team Rick Power, our new National Prevention Coordinator at the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada! Meet Rick: Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, Rick’s roots run deep in the natural beauty of Canada. His passion for the outdoors blossomed early, fueled by a love for hiking, camping, […]
Read full storyThe Department of Finance Canada has just announced a significant boost in support for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers. In the upcoming Budget 2024, tax credits for these selfless individuals is expected to be doubled, increasing from $3,000 to $6,000 annually starting this year. This move recognizes the vital role these individuals play […]
Read full storyCongratulations to Patrick Reid from Battlefords Search and Rescue for your achievement in becoming a certified Team Leader under The Ground Search and Rescue – National Certification Pilot (GSAR-NCP) program. The program, designed to uphold the CSA Z1620-15 Core competency standards for ground search and rescue operations, provides national recognition to individuals who have completed […]
Read full storyThis past weekend was exciting for the SARVAC Humanitarian Workforce (HWF) program and various GSAR responders across the country as the first SARVAC HWF Train the Trainer workshop was rolled out. The purpose of these workshops is to train champions within each Provincial/Territorial (P/T) Association. These champions will assist SARVAC and their local associations in […]
Read full storyDid you know that you can provide input into critical research on post-traumatic stress injuries for the SAR community that will help determine the next steps of what volunteers need in the way of mental health resources across Canada. If you are a SAR volunteer, there’s still time to fill out the PTSI Prevalence Survey […]
Read full storyThis enactment amends subsection of the Income Tax Act in order to increase the amount of the tax credits for volunteer firefighting and search and rescue volunteer services from $3,000 to $10,000. Ground Search and Rescue volunteers across Canada continue to believe that an increase in the volunteer tax credit would continue to help offset […]
Read full storyPlease be advised that the updated CSA Z1620 and Z1625 Core Competency and Curriculum Draft Standards have been posted for 60 day Public Review on CSA’s Public Review Website. These Standards provide core competency and training curriculum requirements for Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) operations for the three core roles of Searcher, Team Leader, and […]
Read full storyThe National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) is NOW accepting funding proposals under the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF) for 2024-2025. Public Safety Canada invites eligible applicants to submit applications for projects that support the updated annual priority initiatives. This year, there are new Search and Rescue priorities and info sessions available […]
Read full story“The emergency management community plays an essential role in the safety and security of Canadians every day. They work selflessly to save lives, to protect our property and our environment, and to build resilience in our communities” –Public Safety Canada The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award continues to be a prestigious recognition awarded by Public […]
Read full story