Delburne, AB, November 4, 2021 — The Village of Delburne is taking steps to improve efficiency in their emergency management program by joining a new platform designed to better connect with neighbouring communities, agencies, networks, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local vendors.

“Every disaster requires a local response,” says Scott Cameron, Co-founder of Emergency Management Logistics Canada. “The EMLCanada.ca platform has been designed to support local communities and build capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergency situations.”

When every second counts, having immediate access to updated product and service vendors saves time, money, properties, and potentially, lives. In the past, most emergency management organizations invested valuable resources building and updating their own contact lists. This new centralized logistics platform improves access, facilitates mutual support, and gives local businesses a tangible way to support emergency efforts – locally, provincially, regionally, or nationally.

“During the 2016 wildfires in Northern Alberta, one of our vendors had a 5000 gpm pump that could have made a difference, but the frontlines were unaware of the equipment, the vendor didn’t have the right contact information to make the equipment available, and it sat in the shop during the event because there were no mechanisms designed to help make the connection,” says Cameron.

“EMLCanada has created a national logistics database to make it easy for emergency management organizations to find what they need, when they need it.”

EMLCanada provides emergency management organizations like the Village of Delburne with centralized logistics tools and access to local product and service vendors that can fill a critical need during emergencies from #blanketstohelicopters. EMLCanada is also proud to boost Canadian vendors by profiling businesses in local, regional, and national markets, while creating a community of practice that convenes the emergency management sector all in one place.

Founded by Scott Cameron and Pauline Mousseau in July 2020, EMLCanada is about enhancing emergency preparation, response, and recovery. The open platform allows stakeholders to easily find vendors and services, share information, build relationships, and enhance emergency response while saving critical time and money.

Four central Alberta municipalities are among those aiming to improve emergency preparedness by using a service that connects them to emergency products and vendors.

Emergency Management Logistics Canada (EMLCanada) is a logistics platform that is being used by Red Deer and Lacombe Counties, City of Red Deer and the Village of Delburne.

“EMLCanada has created a national logistics database to make it easy for emergency management organizations to find what they need, when they need it,” said co-founder Scott Cameron.

Cameron has more than 25 years working in community sectors and municipal government, including many years with the City of Red Deer. Co-founder Pauline Mousseau also has many years of experience with the city and county of Red Deer.

Between them, both have experience dealing with everything from the Pine Lake Tornado to floods, toxic spills and wildfires in northern Alberta.

The pair began in the company in July 2020 with the goal of helping improve emergency preparation, response and recovery.

“The open platform allows stakeholders to easily find vendors and services, share information, build relationships, and enhance emergency response while saving critical time and money,” says the company in a news release.

“The open platform allows stakeholders to easily find vendors and services, share information, build relationships, and enhance emergency response while saving critical time and money.”

A search tool allows users to find specific tools, equipment and supplies in a hurry.

Networking and learning opportunities are also provided through a monthly newsletter and regular training sessions delivered by experts.

Lacombe County will be one of the first to join a new online platform that connects Emergency Management Operators (like municipal governments) with vendors across the country.

The service enables them to find everything they need in an emergency, ranging from blankets to helicopters. This will mean faster and more efficient response times.

“We have people in logistics roles that hire contractors and source vendors, so they have that internal knowledge. But sometimes, we need them to look for something they don’t normally source. This directory supplements the information we already have, and closes the gaps in what I would call common knowledge,” says Drayton Bussiere, County Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management for Lacombe County.

Ponoka has become one of the first counties to join forces with Emergency Management Logistics Canada (EMLCanada).

EMLCanada is Canada’s first and only emergency management logistics platform that connects emergency management organizations (EMOs) directly with product and service vendors across Canada to improve emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.

“The new Emergency Management System (EMLCanada) is a great asset at the time of an emergency to ensure access to vendors and supplies when required,” said protective services coordinator Donna Noble. “It allows collaboration with other municipalities in training and experience. Vendor information is at your fingertips without worrying if contact information is current.”