This release was issued under a previous government.

Grant supports Search and Rescue team training

L-R: Bart Pouteau, Michelle Limoges and dog Tynder, Minister of Municipal Affairs Danielle Larivee, Maryann Warren and dog Gotta, and Mike Arychuck and dog Jaida

“When a loved one is missing, we turn to the brave volunteers who dedicate their time to finding those who are lost or injured. Just as these individuals are committed to the communities they serve, our government is committed to them. This investment will help search and rescue groups expand and enhance their skills, so they can continue to save lives.” 

Danielle Larivee, Minister of Municipal Affairs

One hundred and fifty thousand dollars will go towards 20 volunteer-based search and rescue organizations to promote training and enhance emergency preparedness in our province. 

“The Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta is pleased and honoured to have received a training grant from Municipal Affairs. This grant will provide us with important training opportunities for our volunteer members in service to Albertans.”

Mike Arychuk, President of the Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta

A one-time $150,000 grant will also be provided to Search and Rescue Alberta to support recruitment and skill development of search and rescue volunteers.

“On behalf of the Search and Rescue Association of Alberta I would like to thank the Government of Alberta for the support that they have provided yearly in the form of training grants given directly to our member teams.  This training has allowed us to respond to a significant number of diversified requests for support within Alberta, alongside police, fire, EMS, parks Canada and local municipalities.”

Shane Elder, President Search And Rescue Association of Alberta

There are approximately 1,500 search and rescue volunteers across the province in six different regions, and supported by the Search and Rescue Association of Alberta.

“This grant is key to our operations. As a charitable organization with no regular funding, it provides stability for our training program.”

Bart Pouteau, President of Edmonton Regional Search and Rescue

In addition to the Ground Search and Rescue Grant, Municipal Affairs supports Search and Rescue Alberta and eligible ground search and rescue groups in a variety of ways, including protection of volunteers from legal liability, providing disability insurance and Workers’ Compensation coverage in case of accident, and funding specialized courses and public-education materials.

Organizations were notified of their Ground Search and Rescue grant applications in January.