NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2004

Introduction

Canada's National Search and Rescue Program improves the safety of people at risk and provides an effective response that saves lives.

The 2004 Annual Report on the National Search and Rescue Program provides information for the Lead Minister for Search and Rescue, other federal ministers with responsibilities for search and rescue (National Defence, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada [Parks Canada and the Meteorological Service of Canada], Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada [RCMP] and Transport Canada), Parliament and the Canadian public.

It describes the organization of the program, reviews the activities of the past year, and summarizes the issues and trends that are currently of particular import to the program. It provides an overall picture of the federal resources devoted to the program and the results achieved. (Provincial and volunteer SAR resources are not reported on in detail because the variety of different jurisdictions and organizations all have significantly different reporting procedures.)

This Annual Report is one of three key documents produced each year that guide and report on the National Search and Rescue Program. It is complemented by a Strategic Directions document, which provides long-term direction, and an annual Program Plan, which highlights issues to be dealt with in the coming year.

This Annual Report is produced by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, under the direction of the Interdepartmental Committee on Search and Rescue.