As we continue to mark Emergency Response Assistance Canada (ERAC)'s 40th anniversary, our focus remains grounded in our strategic priorities of People, Service, and Operational Excellence. In this spirit of continued progress and strong leadership, I am pleased to welcome Michael De Paoli of AltaGas as ERAC’s new Board Chair, effective June 1, as he assumes the role from Kevin Johnson of Superior Propane. On behalf of ERAC, I would like to thank Kevin for his dedication and contributions during his tenure as Chair. I am also pleased to welcome Tara Hingley of Gibson Energy and David Gowland of Whitecap Resources as new members of the ERAC Board of Directors. We look forward to the insight and industry perspective they will bring, and to their contributions in supporting ERAC’s continued growth and strategic direction.

The 2026 Dangerous Goods Emergency Management (DGEM) Conference was an overwhelming success, and the feedback we have received since the event has been exceptionally positive. It was energizing to bring together Plan members, responders, government officials, and industry partners from across Canada, all with a shared commitment to strengthening dangerous goods emergency preparedness and response. Our keynote speakers set a powerful tone for the conference. Retired General Rick Hillier's opening address was candid, insightful, and impactful, while Dan Comiskey's presentation on day two left a lasting impression on attendees. This conference would not be possible without the valued support of our sponsors, whose contributions play an instrumental role in its success. Thank you once again to our Platinum Sponsors - AltaGas, Avenir Energy, and Kiros Energy Marketing; our Silver Sponsor - CPKC; and our Bronze Sponsors - Superior Propane, Eco-Pro Services Inc., Brogan Fire & Safety, Irving Oil, and BWI-ACME Enterprises. We look forward to building on the momentum from this year’s conference as we begin planning for what the 2028 edition will look like.

Beyond the conference, the ERAC team has remained focused on supporting Plan members through the wide range of services we provide, from emergency response readiness and regulatory support to preparedness initiatives, and access to a highly trained response network. As risks continue to evolve, so must the tools and resources available to industry. With significant wildfire activity affecting communities across Canada this season, we have seen an increasing need for proactive protection measures. In response, ERAC recently introduced Wildfire Asset Protection Kits to help Plan members strengthen wildfire preparedness, protect critical assets, and enhance resilience in the face of a growing wildfire threat.

As we continue through the summer, I encourage everyone to take time to pause, recharge, and enjoy time outside of work with family and friends. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Stay safe.

Spencer Buckland
President

Emergency Response Assistance Canada

The Board would like to extend its sincere thanks to Todd Temple and Kevin Dupuis for their dedicated service and contributions during their terms, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours. We welcomed Michael De Paoli as he became the new Board Chair at the beginning of June, bringing strong leadership and experience to the role. We are also excited to introduce Tara Hingley and David Gowland as the Board’s newest members. The next Board meeting is scheduled for early October, where we will continue to advance key priorities for ERAC as we move towards 2027.

As part of ERAC’s continued commitment to supporting Plan members in an evolving risk landscape, we are pleased to offer new Wildfire Asset Protection Kits for rent. Available exclusively to Plan members, the kits provide access to deployable wildfire mitigation equipment that can be used to create protective water barriers around vulnerable assets, facilities, and operational areas. Whether preparing for elevated wildfire conditions or responding to an emerging threat, the kits offer a practical solution to safeguard infrastructure. With flexible rental options available by the day, week, or month, Plan members can access critical protection measures when and where they are needed most. As wildfire activity continues to affect communities and businesses across Canada, these kits offer an additional layer of preparedness to help protect assets and support operational continuity during periods of heightened risk.

We encourage Plan members to learn more about how Wildfire Asset Protection Kits can support their preparedness efforts. For details on availability and pricing options, please contact the ERAC Technical Advisor in your region.

We were pleased to recognize the 2026 recipients of the Leo Sichewski Memorial Bursary, Brittny Beamish and Christopher Fahey at the Dangerous Goods Emergency Management Conference Awards Dinner. This bursary honours individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to emergency preparedness, professionalism, and continuous learning within the dangerous goods community. Brittny and Christopher were selected for their dedication, contributions, and potential to make a meaningful impact in the field. They were formally recognized at the Responder Awards Dinner during the DGEM conference, where their achievements were celebrated among peers and industry leaders. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to their continued growth and contributions to advancing emergency response capabilities across Canada.

This year’s honourees were announced at the DGEM Conference Awards Dinner and include Rob Barrow, recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award, Paulo Candeias, recognized for Excellence in Safety, and Spartan Response, awarded Excellence in Training & Learning. Together, these award recipients exemplify an unwavering commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence in dangerous goods response. Their leadership and contributions play a vital role in strengthening preparedness and response capabilities across Canada. We extend our congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

Emergency Response Assistance Canada (ERAC) participated in a joint hazardous materials training session over the June 13-14 weekend in Lyndhurst, Ontario, in collaboration with CPKC and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC), reinforcing the importance of cross-industry coordination in emergency response. Initiated by CPKC Hazmat Officer Mike Magee and Nicholas Hodge of the Railway Association of Canada, the session brought together key partners to strengthen practical response capabilities, share expertise, and enhance readiness for rail-related dangerous goods incidents, with ERAC Technical Advisors Chris Whitman and Sharlotte Stevens contributing their expertise and supporting LPG Level I firefighting training components during the session. Despite rainy weather conditions, the training was highly successful, demonstrating the commitment of all participants to continuous learning, collaboration, and improving safe, effective responses to complex hazmat scenarios.