NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE PROGRAM
Annual Report 2005

Introduction

The National Search and Rescue Program encompasses the efforts and activities of all levels of government, corporate and volunteer sectors, and a vast array of organizations and programs related to providing information, applying technology, conducting research, preventing SAR incidents from occurring or saving lives of people at risk.

The 2005 Annual Report¹ on the National Search and Rescue Program provides information for the Lead Minister for Search and Rescue (the Minister of National Defence), as well as other federal ministers with responsibilities for search and rescue (for example, Fisheries and Oceans, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Transport Canada, Environment Canada - Meteorological Service of Canada, Parks Canada), parliamentarians and the Canadian public.

This document describes the organization of the National Search and Rescue Program, reviews the activities of the past year, and summarizes the issues and trends that are currently of particular importance to the program. It provides an overall picture of the federal resources devoted to the program and the results achieved. Provincial, territorial and volunteer search and rescue (SAR) resources are not reported in detail because the many jurisdictions and organizations have significantly different reporting procedures.

This annual report is one of three key documents produced each year that guide and report on the National Search and Rescue Program. It is complemented by a strategic directions document, which provides long-term direction, and an annual program plan, which highlights issues to be addressed in the coming year.

¹ This Annual Report is produced by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, under the direction of the Interdepartmental Committee on Search and Rescue.