Federal Emergency Response Plan.

The Federal Emergency Response Plan is a sectoral instrument designed to harmonize federal emergency response efforts with those of the provinces/territorial governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The FERP applies to domestic emergencies and to international emergencies with a domestic impact. This plan has both national and regional level components, which provide a framework for effective integration of effort both horizontally and vertically throughout the Federal Government. In that sense, the document defines as strategic objectives the following: to save lives, reduce personal injuries, and protect and maintain public health; to protect property and the environment; to maintain law, order and national security; to maintain public confidence; and to reduce economic and social losses.
The Plan also settles the institutional framework for emergency response, establishing The Federal Emergency Response Management System (FERMS). The FERMS is defined as a comprehensive management system which integrates the Government of Canada’s response to emergencies. The FERMS provides the mechanisms and processes to coordinate the structures, the capabilities, and the resources of federal government institutions, non-governmental organizations and the private sector into an integrated emergency response for all hazards. Regarding the governance structure, the document determines that Under the FERP, the Government of Canada will engage existing governance structures to the greatest extent possible in response to an emergency. The nature and scope of the emergency will determine the government’s response.