As step into 2026, we look ahead to a year filled with meaningful milestones and exciting opportunities for our organization. This includes an expanded schedule of regional training events across the country, our annual firefighting training in April, and the upcoming Dangerous Goods Emergency Management Conference taking place June 2 – 4 in Calgary.

I welcome all ERAC Plan members and ERAC responders from coast to coast to join us at this year's Dangerous Goods Emergency Management Conference. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, strengthen your expertise, and hear from two exceptional keynote speakers: Retired General Rick Hillier on day one, and former CFL two-time Grey Cup champion and safety expert Dan Comiskey on day two, alongside a lineup of notable guest speakers. Early bird registration is now open, and we hope to see you there!

This year also marks a significant moment in our history — Emergency Response Assistance Canada (ERAC)’s 40th anniversary. This milestone reflects not only the longevity of our organization, but the commitment, collaboration, and trust shared between our Plan members, responders, industry partners, and staff.

As President, I remain deeply honoured to lead a not-for-profit organization dedicated to delivering safe, timely, and effective dangerous goods emergency response across Canada. Everything we achieve is made possible through the strong partnerships we have built with our members and the unwavering dedication of our responder community. Looking ahead, I am confident in what we will accomplish together. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to safety.

The future is bright — let’s keep the momentum going.

Spencer Buckland
President

Experience Canada’s premier conference dedicated exclusively to Dangerous Goods Emergency Management and be part of the celebration marking 40 years of safety. Register now to secure the early bird rate available until March 31, 2026. If your organization is looking to expand its involvement in this year’s event, sponsorship opportunities are available.

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ERAC is looking to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors. The ideal candidates are senior-level executives from Canadian Propane Association member companies (ie., Retailers or Wholesalers) who recognize the importance of delivering effective, regulatory-compliant emergency preparedness and response services. To recommend a candidate, please contact Spencer, ERAC's President at spencer.buckland@erac.org or phone 403-543-6090.

ERAC proudly recognized Linus Lau, Finance Director, for his 10‑year milestone with the organization this past December! Congratulations, Linus, on this remarkable achievement — we are grateful for your dedication, professionalism, and strong work ethic.

This bursary carries a special meaning for our community. It honours Leo Sichewski, a 24‑year ERAC veteran who trained, coached, and mentored ERAC responders across Canada with patience, humility, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning. His legacy lives on in the people he encouraged to step forward, sharpen their skills, and serve safely. Two bursaries, each valued at $1,000, are available to students who are currently enrolled in a training program related to safety, emergency management, or first responder fields. Every application is a promise, to protect people, product, property, and the environment. Every award keeps Leo’s spirit of mentorship alive in the next generation of responders.

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To help stay ahead of regulatory compliance timelines, we’re reminding plan members that Environment Canada E2 exercises are coming due, particularly those registered in 2021, which now require full‑scale exercises, and those registered before 2021, which are overdue. Demand for ERAC’s full‑scale and tabletop exercise facilitation rises quickly each year, so booking early ensures preferred dates, smooth planning, and compliance readiness. For questions or to secure your date, please contact Aidan Osborne, ERAC's Emergency Management Advisor, at 587-998-0453.