Government of Canada hosts Seventh Annual National Roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction

Multi-sectorial meeting brings together leaders in emergency management and community safety to reflect on the future of Disaster Risk Reduction

MONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Michel Picard, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, welcomed more than 200 members of Canada's Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction gathered in Montreal, Quebec for the Seventh Annual National Roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction. 

This Roundtable brings together all levels of government, the private sector, non-government organizations, and individual Canadians interested in finding innovative ways to collectively reduce the risks and impacts of disaster.  This year, discussions will focus on the theme of "Understanding Disaster Risks", the first of four priorities for action under the United Nation's Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. 

In a video message to participants, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, highlighted the gathering as a forum for information sharing and collaboration to advance Canada's commitments under the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. He also took the opportunity to launch Flood Ready, a new public awareness campaign to increase Canadians' knowledge of flood risks.

The Government of Canada is working with its partners to find solutions to protect our communities before disasters strike.  In the past year, Canada's Platform engaged with diverse stakeholders, such as public-private partnerships through the launch of ARISE Canada, promoting youth engagement and strengthening collaboration with Indigenous communities. 

Quick Facts

• The annual roundtable is a key element of Canada's Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.  Membership includes over 500 individuals and organizations from across sectors.
• Public Safety Canada (PS) leads on the domestic implementation of DRR including Canada's commitments under the UN 2015-2030 Sendai Framework for DRR.
• Canada will host the Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas in Montreal on March 7-9, 2017.  The Regional Platform will continue discussions with some 1,000 delegates from 50 countries and territories (35 sovereign states and 20 territories) about shared objectives to reduce disaster risk.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to take on a leadership role in working toward a whole-of-society approach to disaster risk reduction.  The diverse representation at the Seventh Annual National Roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction demonstrates that everyone – individuals, communities, corporations and governments – has an active role to play in making Canada more resilient.  We look forward to continue this conversation with our colleagues from across the Americas in March."

-The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"The Government of Quebec is pleased to take part in this Round Table, which gives participants an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience. In the context of climate change, we must act before disasters occur in order to reduce their impact. For this reason, the government promotes, in collaboration with our partners including Quebec's municipalities, a preventive approach to emergency management."

-Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Montreal Region

 "As a municipal government, we play an essential role in increasing our understanding of disaster risks and in enhancing protection for our population. As such, it is essential for us to invest in our risk management expertise and to increase our population's awareness. Montreal is proud to host the Seventh Annual National Roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction, an event which allows us to increase our knowledge and share expertise from across Canada."

-Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal

Related Products

• Video message from the Honorable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Associated Links

• Canada's Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
• Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas
• United Nation's Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015-2030

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657