Premier Tim Houston sets up emergency Nova Scotia Guard
Premier Tim Houston announced the establishment of the Nova Scotia Guard, a group of volunteers that will support communities during and after emergencies.
Houston cited climate change as the driving force for this move and said there is no question climate change is causing more frequent and severe storms, wildfires, floods and other emergencies.
“As we’ve seen time and again, whenever an emergency happens, the first thing Nova Scotians do is step up and help their neighbours, that’s the Bluenoser way,” said Houston. “The Nova Scotia Guard will enable us to call on volunteers who are ready to jump in and help their communities in their moment of need.”
Houston said the idea for the Nova Scotia Guard came after a number of severe weather events impacted parts of the province.
“The number one need we always have during these emergencies is the need for more people and more equipment,” said Houston. “You kind of want to over-resource these things, you wish you had more.”
Houston said a site will be established where people can sign up but in the meantime anyone wanting to put their name forward can do so by calling 2-1-1
The establishment of the Emergency Management Department replaces the Emergency Management Office, a portfolio that fell under provision of the minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Minister John Lohr will remain on as the minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and also take on the role as minister of the Emergency Management Department and oversee the Nova Scotia Guard.
The Emergency Management Department will oversee the Nova Scotia Guard and existing emergency response teams from across government, with expanded responsibilities such as:
- leading Nova Scotia’s co-ordinated emergency and disaster preparedness, response and recovery initiatives
- leading the co-ordination of all organizations, internal and external, that respond to emergencies and disasters
- working closely with communities, as well as Indigenous, federal, municipal and private-sector partners.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.