News Releases

Government of Canada funds $1.3 M for Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Volunteers

OTTAWA – November 7, 2010 - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Lead Minister for Search and Rescue, today announced funding of $1.3 million for a province-wide standardized radio communications system for the Nova Scotia’s Ground Search and Rescue Association.

Presently, a variety of very high frequency (VHF) radios, ranging from amateur radio operator (HAM), land VHF and marine handheld radios, are being used by the province’s 24 volunteer search and rescue teams. The assortment of different radio systems limits operational capability and creates compatibility problems when teams need to communicate with each other and law enforcement and other support organizations.

The current technology for most of these radios does not allow access to the national search and rescue frequency at 149.080 megahertz (MHz), thus restricting operability with other local, provincial or federal search and rescue agencies. This leads to operational and communication gaps, creating possible risks for volunteer safety and security, and most importantly, making it difficult to conduct efficient and well-ordered search and rescue operations.

“When someone is lost or in distress, they need help fast.” said Minister MacKay. “Having search and rescue responders communicate more effectively greatly enhances the efficiency of rescue operations and saves lives.”

The plan involves the purchase of durable, quality radios that can operate in both digital and analog modes, the establishment and implementation of technical support, team instruction and training, province-wide distribution of the equipment, and live training and testing exercises. The Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office will administer the allocated fund and provide in-kind support for the project.

The National Search and Rescue Secretariat is an autonomous arm’s length organization within the Department of National Defence. Established in 1986, the Secretariat is responsible for the management and coordination of the National Search and Rescue Program, and works with all levels of government, police and emergency services to manage and improve search and rescue activities throughout Canada.

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For more information:
Joshua Zanin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence, the Hon. Peter MacKay
T: 613-996-3100