Legislation and Policy

Provincial Legislation and Policies

Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act

The legal basis for emergency management in Ontario is the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). Under this act MNR has responsibility to prepare an Emergency Response Plan that:

• governs the provision of emergency services required as a result of all 7 assigned hazards
• outlines the procedures under which Crown employees and other persons will respond during these emergencies.

In addition the Act gives authority to:

• the Premier of Ontario to declare a Provincial Emergency;
• Crown employees to take action described in the Provincial Emergency Response Plan with or without the declaration of an emergency.

Regulations under the EMCPA - Ontario Regulation 380/04

These regulations set the requirements for ministries and communities to achieve essential level emergency management programs.

Order in Council (1492/2005)

Under Order in Council 1492/2005 (Annex I) MNR has been assigned the following hazards:

• Forest Fires
• Floods
• Drought/Low Water
• Dam Failures
• Crude Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production, Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon, Underground Storage and Salt Solution Mining Emergencies
• Erosion
• Soil and Bedrock Instability

Forest Fires Prevention Act

This act gives the Minister of Natural Resources the authority to

• declare an area to be a forest fire emergency
• take action necessary for fire suppression,
  for the safety or evacuation of persons and the protection of property in the area.

Provincial Policy Statement

The Policy Statement provides for appropriate development while protecting resources of:

• provincial interest
• public health and safety
• the natural environment

The Provincial Policy Statement requires municipalities to be aware of hazard lands (natural or human-made) in their planning documents and direct development away from areas of unacceptable risk to public health, safety or property damage.

Federal Legislation and Policies

The federal government, through Public Safety Canada is responsible for the national emergency response system. In the event of a national emergency, the federal government will implement its emergency response plans and will consult with the provinces, territories, and the international community.