Changes to Act Makes Communities Stronger
Nova Scotia took another important step towards stronger, safer communities today, Oct. 8, with the introduction of changes to the provincial Emergency Management Act.
"There is no greater priority than the safety and well being of Nova Scotian families," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Emergency Management. "Nova Scotia has a robust emergency management system; these updates will reinforce the system and how its parts work together."
The amendments update the act to reflect practices that ensure that provincial emergency response is co-ordinated at a high level. They document and enhance the existing provincial leadership structure for emergencies and the processes for the flow of information.
"The Emergency Management Office and our partners never rest when it comes to preparing the province to respond to emergencies," said Craig MacLaughlan, CEO and deputy head of EMO. "We are constantly evaluating and adapting to ensure Nova Scotians receive the prompt and effective response they deserve."
The executive emergency management committee and its members, role and mandate will be permanently added to the legislation. The legislation will clarify that the Emergency Management Act takes precedence over other provincial legislation for emergencies.
The proposed amendments will help responding organizations communicate better before and during an emergency. The rules and ways information is shared about municipal states of readiness and major events will be formalized.
The Emergency Management Office's authority to make rules for municipalities' duties, planning, evaluation and reporting for non-governmental essential service providers will be strengthened. Non-governmental agencies have the expertise to develop, train and exercise their internal business continuity plans. The Emergency Management Office works with these organizations to ensure plans align with the provincial emergency response. The proposed changes to the act provide the province with a means to compel a non-government entity to provide its plan if requested during a crisis.
Changes to the act will also allow the province to impose greater penalties for emergency management legislation offences. Given the seriousness of such offences, the penalties will be significantly increased to up to $10,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations. Courts will also have the power to increase fines by the amount a person gained by committing the offence.