Ontario Proposes Updates to Emergency Management Legislation

The Ontario government has introduced the Emergency Management Modernization Act, aiming to update the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). This proposed legislation seeks to enhance provincial and municipal emergency management efforts, focusing on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The amendments are the first significant updates in over 15 years.

Trevor Jones, Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, stated that the rise of extreme weather events and cyber-attacks has changed the nature of emergencies. The proposed changes are intended to ensure Ontario's readiness to respond to these challenges.

If enacted, the legislation would strengthen provincial leadership and coordination, with Emergency Management Ontario serving as the central hub for emergency management efforts. The legislation also emphasizes community-led approaches, allowing municipalities to tailor emergency management programs to their specific needs.

The process for municipalities to declare local emergencies would be clarified, including procedures for emergency declarations and assistance requests. The legislation builds on the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan introduced in 2023, which outlines actions to ensure community safety before, during, and after emergencies.

Over the summer, Emergency Management Ontario engaged with more than 480 partners, including municipalities, First Nations communities, and emergency management organizations, to gather feedback on the proposed changes.

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