About Us
The SARS epidemic in 2003 clearly illustrated the immense contribution the voluntary sector can make during an emergency. The Voluntary Sector Project arose out of this crisis and aims to increase emergency response capacity in the voluntary sector, strengthening Canada's overall disaster response.
As a concerned group of voluntary organizations, we are committed to:
- Creating a dialogue between the public authorities and the voluntary sector to foster understanding and cooperation.
- Encouraging the involvement of the voluntary sector in responses to health emergencies.
- Educating organizations about what they need to do to ensure that their core services can be provided during an emergency.
Project Stakeholders
This project is led by the Canadian Red Cross in partnership with St. John Ambulance and the Salvation Army, with financial support from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The project advisory group of 10 other voluntary sector organizations helps steer the project:
- Canadian Medical Association
- Canadian Nurses Association
- Canadian Psychological Association
- Canadian Public Health Association
- The Centre for Voluntary Sector Research and Development, Carleton University
- Community Foundations of Canada
- Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
- Edmonton Multicultural Health Coalition
- Focus Humanitarian Assistance Canada
- Mennonite Disaster Service
- Volunteer Canada
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Fast Facts
Recent survey results revealed only 41% of emergency management organizations have policy frameworks for high-risk populations.
What's Happening?
Community consultations are being held across the country to improve our disaster safety net.