Environmental, social and public health emergencies are becoming more frequent and severe around the world. The rapid pace at which emergencies are occurring, compounded by social crises like homelessness, addictions and mental health, are over-stressing our emergency management systems. However, as a society we cannot let this reality become an excuse.
In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for community engagement . And yet, despite a thriving legacy of volunteerism, Canada is lagging behind . Canada is the only G7 country without a national health security and emergency agency.
And without such a coordinating agency, communities are left to scramble when emergencies strike. When emergencies arise, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are often called up to provide much needed support. However, the military is supposed to be called upon only when demand exceeds provincial capacity.
Yet provinces have come to view the CAF as their first, rather than their last resort. Every time the CAF is called for assistance, it diverts time and resources away from attending to Canada's national security tasks . If not the CAF, then what should be the source of this labor? There are four basic models Canada could follow .
One of them pertains to mobilizing volunteer and skilled labor at the community level. The reality is that ordinary citizens always find their way to get involved , making emergency management a community concern. This is what the WHO refers to as a "whol.
