As we enter the final months of 2026, many organizations are reflecting on the past year and preparing for what lies ahead. For me, it is also an opportunity to consider an important question: Are we prepared for the challenges of tomorrow?

At Emergency Response Assistance Canada (ERAC), preparedness has always been at the heart of what we do. Although emergency response often receives the most attention, the work that makes the greatest difference happens before an incident occurs. Through planning, training, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we help ensure that Plan members, responders, and industry stakeholders remain ready when they are needed.

Throughout 2026, ERAC has continued to strengthen dangerous goods emergency preparedness across Canada. From supporting emergency response plans and renewing Emergency Response Assistance Plans (ERAPs), to delivering regional training and assessments, expanding online learning opportunities, and collaborating with industry and response partners, each of these efforts contributes to a safer, more resilient transportation network.

Preparedness requires ongoing commitment. New products, emerging technologies, changing regulations, and evolving risks continue to shape the environment in which our work operates in. Responding to these changes requires continuous learning, adaptation, partnership, and a willingness to listen.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2026 Plan Member Survey. As a not-for-profit, member-driven organization, your feedback is truly invaluable. The insights you share help us understand what we are doing well, where we can improve, and how we can continue delivering the services and support that matter most to you. We are reviewing the results and look forward to acting on the feedback received.

Looking ahead to 2027, ERAC remains committed to supporting our Plan members and response network with the tools, training, and expertise needed to navigate an increasingly complex operating environment. Together, we are building more than response capability. We are building confidence, resilience, and preparedness for the future.

On behalf of the entire ERAC team, thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and support.

Spencer Buckland
President
Emergency Response Assistance Canada

As ERAC continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of industry, responders, and government partners, we have refined our Mission and Vision statements. These statements reinforce who we are, what we do, and where we are headed as an organization. They reflect our commitment to supporting Plan members through trusted emergency planning, training, and response services. Our Mission, Vision, and Values are central pillars of ERAC's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.

Our Mission: We provide single-source emergency planning, training, and response for dangerous goods incidents.
Our Vision: Trusted leader in emergency response and preparedness.

Together, these statements will guide our internal decisions, shape our services, and support our ongoing commitment to safety, readiness, and collaboration across Canada.

Team Update

ERAC bid farewell last month to Cody Davis, Technical Advisor, as he moved on to a new opportunity. We thank Cody for his three years of service and the valuable contributions he made during his time with ERAC.

We are pleased to bring Donny McGuire aboard as ERAC's new Regional Manager/Technical Advisor for the Prairies. Donny joined the team on October 26 and brings valuable emergency response experience that will help support our Plan members and responders across the Prairie region. Welcome, Donny!

In mid-August, ERAC delivered four LPG Level 1 Operations Fire Training sessions at the Calgary Fire Department’s HazMat training facility. More than 90 firefighters took part in hands-on exercises designed to strengthen their knowledge and operational response capabilities. We thank the Calgary Fire Department HazMat team for providing access to the training facility and Eco-Pro Services Inc. for supplying the propane used in the exercises. We also thank ERAC team members Chris Whitman, Sharlotte Stevens, Marc-Olivier Boudreau, and Buddie Reed for their expertise in delivering safe and important training.

See what Shawn Tryhuba, Hazardous Materials Officer with the CFD, had to say about the training:

“As the City of Calgary's first responders and hazardous materials team, we are often among the first personnel to arrive at LPG-related leaks, incidents, and fires. This training is extremely valuable to our members, providing a clear understanding of the hazards, response considerations, and safe operational practices required to manage these situations effectively.”

With only a few events remaining, ERAC’s 2026 Regional Training Program has once again highlighted the value of hands-on learning and collaboration. To date, ERAC has delivered nine Flammable Liquids (FL) events and 10 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) events across Canada, helping responders strengthen their knowledge, skills, and response capabilities. Attendees have reported an overall satisfaction rate of 93.4%. We thank our ERAC Technical Advisors, responder partners, and product sponsors for their continued commitment to preparedness as we conclude another successful training season.

When multiple agencies and organizations respond to an emergency, effective coordination depends on everyone speaking the same language. The Incident Command System (ICS) provides a standardized framework for managing incidents, ensuring clear communication, defined roles, and efficient decision-making. To help strengthen preparedness and response capabilities, ERAC offers free online ICS training that provides a practical understanding of incident management principles and processes. Available in a flexible, self-paced format, these courses help Plan members, responders, and emergency management professionals build the skills needed to work effectively together during dangerous goods incidents and other emergencies.

Learn more.