Released on June 13, 2012
The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) will now be operating evacuation shelters across the province, as part of a new agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan. The shelters will be used to house evacuees in the event of disasters such as forest fires or extreme flooding.
"We are very pleased to partner with an outstanding organization like the Canadian Red Cross to deliver these important services to Saskatchewan citizens," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "This agreement will enhance Emergency Social Services' ability to provide for the basic needs of individuals and families during those times when they cannot support themselves."
The three-year service agreement with the CRC will increase the ministry's ability to provide for the basic needs of individuals and families by expanding the capacity to provide an Emergency Social Services (ESS) response. This agreement will enable the CRC to take on ESS shelter management across the province beyond Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.
"The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of helping Saskatchewan people during times of need," Canadian Red Cross Provincial Disaster Management Lead Kim MacLean said. "This agreement signals a new era for our organization in this province and we are looking forward to serving Saskatchewan people alongside Emergency Social Services."
This agreement requires the province to pay CRC an upfront cost of $105,700 ($0.10 per capita) to cover CRC's cost of training a network of volunteers capable of managing and operating multiple shelter accommodations for evacuees in the event of disasters, and for the cost of supplies such as cots and blankets. The government will also reimburse the CRC for direct expenses it incurs in operating shelters for our citizens (food, facility rentals, hygiene products, etc.).
Today's announcement expands the ministry's 2011 agreement with the CRC for shelter management and increases the province's capacity to respond to citizen needs during a disaster event.
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For more information, contact:
Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca
Amanda Lauder
Canadian Red Cross
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-570-4223
Email: amanda.lauder@redcross.ca