INDEPTH: STATE OF EMERGENCY
State of Emergency FAQ
CBC News Online | August 7, 2003
In Canada, a state of emergency can be declared by all levels of government, from municipal to national. All jurisdictions base their emergency plans and procedures on the federal Emergencies Act. See below for more:
National
What is the definition of a national state of emergency?
Who can declare a national state of emergency?
How long does it last?
What special powers does the federal government have?
Does the state of emergency apply to the entire country?
Provincial/Territorial
Municipal/Local
National
What is the definition of a national state of emergency?
A national emergency is defined in the National Emergencies Act as "an urgent and critical situation of a temporary nature" that exceeds a province's ability to cope and that threatens the welfare of Canadians and the ability of the Canadian government to preserve the "sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Canada."
Who can declare a national state of emergency?
The prime minister and the cabinet.
How long does it last?
A state of national emergency can last up to 90 days, at which point it can be extended.
What special powers does the federal government have in a national state of emergency?
The government may, at its discretion:
- regulate or prohibit travel when it is deemed necessary for health and safety reasons
- remove people and their possessions from their homes
- use or dispose of non-government property at its discretion
- authorize and pay persons to provide essential services that are deemed necessary
- ration and control essential goods, services and resources
- authorize emergency payments
- establish emergency shelters and hospitals
- assess and repair damaged infrastructure
- convict or indict those who contradict any of the above.
Does the state of emergency apply to the entire country?
The declaration specifies which areas of the country will be affected.
Provincial/Territorial
In general, a province or territory can declare a state of emergency if conditions exist which threaten the sovereignty of that region and the safety of its people. The declarations can last for varying periods of time and can be extended to suit the situation.
In most cases, the premier and cabinet have the power to declare a state of emergency and to enact the measures necessary to eliminate the threat. Follow the links below for more detailed information:
British Columbia
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island
Municipal/Local
There are different emergency plans in place for municipalities in different provinces and territories. As with federal and provincial levels of government, municipal and local governments base their emergency plans on the Emergencies Act.
In most cases the head of local government – usually the mayor or reeve – makes the declaration after consulting with other members of council. From there, the local government takes the actions necessary to eliminate the threat. Follow the links below for more detailed information:
British Columbia
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island
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