Exercise to Practice Processes that Make Nova Scotians Safer
Federal, provincial, and municipal partners will take part in an exercise to practice co-ordination and procedures to keep Nova Scotians safe in emergency situations.
Exercise Scotian Pearl, which focuses on chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear emergencies, will be held on the morning of Friday, May 13, at Canadian Forces property Shannon Park in Dartmouth.
"We are committed to working with our partners to ensure we are prepared to respond to emergencies," said Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald. "Through exercises such as this, we will be better able to protect Nova Scotians in emergencies."
The scenario for the exercise involves a group of musicians, dancers and singers on a bus trip. The bus is involved in an accident with a five-ton truck carrying chemicals. A suspicious package will also be found on the truck.
"Exercises like this provide all of us with an opportunity to sharpen our skills and improve co-ordination so we can respond rapidly to emergencies," said Ross Landry, Minister of Justice.
The exercise will start with a welcome ceremony at 9 a.m. at the rink at Shannon Park. The simulated exercise will run from 10 a.m. to noon.
"The partners in public safety in our community have historically collaborated very well in crises," said Chief Frank Beazley of Halifax Regional Police. "Mock situations like Exercise Scotian Pearl allow us to exercise our response together to enhance our collaboration and ensure all of us are prepared to efficiently and effectively respond to emergencies."
David Meldrum, divisional chief of safety, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, said Scotian Pearl is a "valuable opportunity to practice skills and work with partners." Mr. Meldrum said exercises help first responders "prepare for the diverse nature of emergencies which are possible today."
People are advised that emergency vehicles and participants who appear to be injured will be in and around Shannon Park as part of the exercise.
"The RCMP is pleased to join with our partners from federal, provincial and municipal agencies to strengthen our planning and co-ordination efforts," said Nova Scotia RCMP Commanding Officer Alphonse MacNeil. "The committee has invested tremendous effort in the planning of this exercise and should be applauded for their efforts in bringing together Nova Scotia's public safety partners."
Health and Wellness, Emergency Management Office, Labour and Advanced Education, Environment and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal are participating on behalf of the province.
Other participants include Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Safety Canada, Canadian Forces, RCMP, Halifax Regional Police, Halifax Fire, Capital District Health Authority, Emergency Health Services and the Medical Examiner's Office.
BROADCAST:
Federal, provincial, and municipal partners will take part
in an exercise to practice the coordination and procedures needed
to keep Nova Scotians safe in emergency situations.
Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald says
exercises like Scotian Pearl help partners prepare for
emergencies and practice working together.
People are advised that emergency vehicles and participants
in make up taking part in the exercise will be in and around
Shannon Park Friday (May 13th) morning.