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Federal, provincial, and territorial governments honour the recipients of the 2026-2027 Emergency Management Exemplary Service Awards

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC)
Monday at 8:37pm AST · November 9, 2026 4 min read

EDMONTON, AB, Nov. 9, 2026 /CNW/ — Across Canada, emergency management professionals and volunteers dedicate countless hours to keeping people safe. They prepare communities for natural disasters, respond when emergencies strike, and help Canadians through the difficult work of recovery.

Much of this work happens away from the public eye, but its impact is felt every day in communities across the country. Established through a partnership between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Awards (EMESA) are an opportunity to recognize the people that make the emergency management system work and to thank them for their extraordinary contributions.

Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, along with the Honourable Robert Gauvin, New Brunswick’s Minister of Public Safety and Minister responsible for la Francophonie, honoured recipients of the 2026-2027 Emergency Management Exemplary Service Awards at a ceremony in Edmonton.

This year, 297 recipients from across Canada are being recognized through 76 awards – a record for the EMESA awards program. The awards recognize individuals, and groups, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service in helping Canadians prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies of all types.

Recipients include individuals, and groups, from Indigenous communities, all orders of government, academia, professional associations, non-governmental organizations, and the next generation of emergency management leaders. This year’s EMESA awards ceremony marks only the second time recipients from all provinces and territories are being honoured together.

While their contributions take many forms, recipients share a commitment to serving others. Whether volunteering their time to help someone in distress, bringing communities together to prepare for future emergencies, or mentoring the next generation of emergency management professionals, their efforts make a lasting difference in the lives of Canadians.

Quotes

“When disaster strikes, Canadians show up for one another. One of the greatest privileges of my role as Minister of Emergency Management is meeting the individuals who answer that call, giving their time, energy, and care to help complete strangers through some of the most difficult moments. I’m always struck by their humility, their generosity, and how much of themselves they give in the service of others. Most never seek recognition, but I’ve seen firsthand the difference their dedication makes in communities across the country. These awards are an opportunity to express our shared gratitude for all that they do. On behalf of Prime Minister Carney and the federal government, please accept my heartfelt thanks and congratulations.”

– The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

“Managing emergencies is about more than just responding effectively when a disaster strikes. It includes building a resilient Canadian system that anticipates risks, protects people, maintains essential services, recovers quickly, and keeps essential government services functioning. Strong leadership and commitment throughout the process are critical for success, and these award recipients exemplify the hard work and dedication that is required to reduce impacts when emergencies arise. They all deserve recognition and our appreciation.”

– The Honourable Robert Gauvin, Minister of Public Safety and Minister responsible for la Francophonie, Government of New Brunswick

Quick Facts

  • Launched in 2017, the EMESA awards program is a partnership between federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) governments.
  • To date the EMESA awards program has recognized the exceptional contributions of 494 individuals and groups across all provinces and territories in Canada.
  • This year’s ceremony will recognize the highest number of recipients in the program’s history and it is only the second time that recipients from all jurisdictions are being honoured.
  • The EMESA awards cover five categories:
    • Resilient Communities;
    • Next Generation;
    • Search and Rescue Volunteers;
    • Search and Rescue Employees; and
    • Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Management.
  • Award recipients are presented with a medallion featuring an emblem created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The emblem was designed to be relevant across all disciplines, all orders of government, all hazards and all regions. Symbolism includes: protection and safety, hazards and resilience, and Canada. The emblem is included in the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada.

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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC)

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