Thanks very much. I appreciate the opportunity.
First, I'd like to acknowledge that this is sacred land, upon which I am privileged to live and work. I recognize the deep connection and the long-standing relationship between indigenous peoples and the land of London, Ontario. This land is the traditional territory of the Anishinabe, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapéewak and Attawandaron, and continues to be home to diverse indigenous peoples, whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors to our society.
I speak today as the chair of the Emergency Management NGO Consortium of Canada, or EMNCC.
EMNCC's mission is to optimize the contribution of non-governmental organizations that help increase disaster resilience in communities in Canada. The purpose of EMNCC is to facilitate coordination, collaboration, co-operation, communication and consideration among all emergency management partners, including indigenous peoples, municipalities and communities. EMNCC champions the capabilities of member organizations active in disaster and emergency management and promotes a whole-of-society approach to serving communities across Canada.
EMNCC's membership includes the following organizations: the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, ADRA; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team; the Canadian Red Cross; CanOps; the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association; the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary; Food Banks Canada; Humane Canada; the Mennonite Disaster Service; Radio Amateurs of Canada; Samaritan's Purse Canada; the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada; St. John Ambulance; Team Rubicon; the Salvation Army; and World Renew.
The value of EMNCC lies within its ability to provide coordinated support to government agencies and local authorities. Our influence is derived from a proven collective ability to support emergency management organizations by providing a simple, trusted and unified base of NGO support. The EMNCC also strives to reduce complexity within the decision action cycle during a domestic disaster.
In addition to the coordinated emergency response services that we provide, a vital component is also acknowledging the severe impact it has on individuals' emotional and psychological health and well-being. We also have the capacity and expertise within our consortium to provide psychosocial support during times of emergencies, crises or disasters, which helps to address the initial dramatic experiences caused by life's disruptions.
During our recent Emergency Preparedness Week, the Government of Canada announced $150 million in funding to support non-governmental organizations in their humanitarian response to COVID-19 and other large-scale emergencies. The funding will support capacity building and domestic response resources for four of EMNCC's NGOs: the Salvation Army, the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada.
Specifically, this funding has gone to support vital services on the ground for several provinces and all three territories that have requested federal assistance, including critical care nurses in hospitals, support in long-term care facilities and retirement homes, epidemic prevention and control, and vaccination support. It has also supported deployments to respond to outbreaks in remote indigenous communities. With this funding, organizations will continue to maintain a highly skilled and qualified group of emergency responders and emergency management professionals, which will help fund the development of emergency management systems, deliver top-tier training and acquire some equipment needed for rapid mobilization.
Finally, in addition to these four organizations, EMNCC member organizations are able to bring significant expertise to domestic response, allowing the Canadian Armed Forces to support other efforts, or as an enhancement to any CAF domestic operations.
Thank you.