Source: Government of Canada January 2024 – Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) warns of extreme cold that could last for several days, with temperatures reaching as low as –50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit) with wind chill. The warning areas cover most of Canada’s western Provinces and territories, including heavily urbanized, populated areas like Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Calgary, and Regina. The impact of cold emergencies goes beyond discomfort. It can result in power outages, transportation disruptions, and, most critically, could pose serious health risks to p ..read more

In the face of escalating climate-related emergencies, the Province of B.C.’s recent allocation of $18 million for Indigenous engagement is a critical opportunity for communities to increase preparedness through consultation and collaboration and meet new emergency management legislative requirements. Making the most of the funding requires a strategic approach and effective partnerships. As an experienced team of emergency management and engagement specialists, CCEM shares insights and guidance to help communities leverage new and existing funding opportunities for maximum impact. Read on to ..read more

When we think of tsunamis, tropical locations are more likely to come to mind. Who can forget the most devasting one in history, when in 2004 a Boxing Day earthquake in the Indian Ocean caused tsunamis across south and southeast Asia. But coastal areas of BC are at risk as well. A tsunami advisory was issued as recently as January 2022 for coastal BC after a volcanic eruption near the Tonga Islands. Luckily, no destructive waves were reported,* but it was a reminder for those of us who live on the coast that we’re at risk. So, how will your organization prepare for a tsunami? Here’s what you n ..read more

Floods are the costliest natural disaster in Canada in terms of property damage.1 Of the top 10 most expensive natural disasters in terms of insurance payouts in Canada, floods are responsible for four.2 We all remember the November 2021 atmospheric river in BC. The Insurance Bureau of Canada states that the insured damage of this event was $675 million.3 Floods can occur any time of year, in any region, and they affect hundreds of thousands of Canadians annually. Whether atmospheric rivers, king tides combined with rising sea levels and storm surges,4 or the spring freshet, no part of the pro ..read more

Transportation plays a key and invaluable role for company operations and is a vital element of emergency management. It provides the service that links companies to their suppliers, customers and employees. The consequences suffered when transportation services and infrastructure are impacted by a disaster are far reaching. An example of this was BC’s 2021 atmospheric river* which washed out highways and interrupted the distribution of goods and services. Transportation services facilitate emergency response In addition to transporting key supplies, resources and personnel and getti ..read more

After almost 30 years[1] since the last substantial update (1993) to B.C.’s current emergency management legislation (the Emergency Program Act), the B.C. NDP introduced new legislation for a 1st reading on October 3rd, 2023, the first day of the fall legislative session. This comes as the Province of B.C. continues to respond to and begins recovery from the most destructive and most expensive[2] wildfire season in provincial history. Long Anticipated Update to B.C.’s Emergency Management Legislation Has Arrived Marking a historic moment of modernization for emergency and disaster manage ..read more

Transportation is considered critical infrastructure for communities and their economies. The supply chain - how goods and services are transported along routes and channels - is like the main artery of a community. But when a disaster strikes and compromises transportation infrastructure, how can communities and businesses minimize the impacts?   The world has witnessed far too many disasters—such as extreme weather events, earthquakes, armed conflicts and even a pandemic—and it’s now recognized that a lack of roads, railroads and airports can incapacitate a community and bankrupt b ..read more

We’re thrilled to share that CCEM Strategies is now certified by the Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada), a non-profit that’s opening doors for Canadian women-owned businesses by advocating for supplier diversity. To qualify for WBE certification a business must be independent and at least 51 per cent owned and run by women. Our founders Diane Radymski and Christine Trefanenko are trailblazers in what’s typically been a male-dominated field and this new certification validates their hard work, commitment, and reputation. “Since forming CCEM Strategies in 2015, we’ve always d ..read more

Volunteers can be engaged in any type of emergency response—floods, wildfires, earthquakes and even acts of terror. Recent examples of volunteers emerging to support response and recovery operations during a disaster include BC’s 2021 atmospheric river and the 2022 earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Volunteers, motivated by a desire to help their community, can make a valuable contribution to a disaster, so planning for effective and meaningful volunteer participation in your response operations is essential. Volunteer types Not all volunteers are alike. While many are experienced and traine ..read more

In recent years, extreme heat events have become a growing concern here in Canada and around the world. Extreme heat events are periods of uncommonly high temperatures (often exceeding historical averages for a specific region) that last for an unusually long time. These events are often characterized by intense daytime heat and elevated humidity, combined with limited nighttime cooling. This can create very hazardous conditions, especially for vulnerable populations. On July 27th 2023, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres announced to the world that new data from the ..read more