Mr. Speaker, May 6 to 12 is Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. In declaring a special week, the federal government through Emergency Preparedness Canada joins with the provinces and territories in a nationwide effort to increase public awareness of the need to prepare for emergencies of all kinds.
Every year at least some of our communities are hit by large scale emergencies and local disasters. Floods, forest fires, toxic spills, blizzards, tornadoes and industrial accidents are only a few of the natural or human caused events that can threaten lives, property, the environment and the local economy. While there is little Canadians can do to prevent these catastrophes, everyone should be prepared to deal with them.
I therefore invite all members of the House and all Canadians to mark Emergency Preparedness Week by taking the time to inform themselves on how they can help safeguard themselves, their families and assist their communities before, during and after a disaster strikes.