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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESK

Géraldine Underdown, NSS’ Executive Director

The search and rescue environment often makes headlines because of the numerous SAR events which unfortunately dot our vast Canadian area of response. Such is our reality.

While 2011 has been a year to reflect on our collective challenges, it has also been one to feature our successes. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National Search and Rescue Program and the National Search and Rescue Secretariat.

Much has happened in the last 25 years during which we have regularly heard that Canadians consider SAR to be an important service which they expect their government to provide. Current political and economic situations have challenged us all to be innovative in our collective efforts to improve SAR across the country through the National Search and Rescue Program – exploring new approaches, leveraging resources, and increasing the need for effective collaboration and cooperation among all of our SAR partners both domestically and now internationally through the newly signed International Arctic Search and Rescue Treaty.

Part of the Secretariat's work involves observing the Canadian SAR landscape and providing advice and guidance to the Lead Minister for Search and Rescue, working with the partners of the National SAR Program and others on issues and areas of opportunity for continued progress, and developing policies and programs that support the two pillars of the National SAR Program: Response and Prevention. In 2011, Op Nanook – the annual Canadian military training exercise in Resolute Bay – included a major air disaster (MAJAID) search and rescue simulation that included a first ever 'whole of government' approach. As we now know, the MAJAID exercise tragically turned out to be a very real major air disaster, and the resulting collaboration between on scene SAR responders from various agencies demonstrated the positive work and whole of government approach that is being accomplished through the dedicated partners of the National SAR Program.

Although many years have passed since the Ocean Ranger disaster that led to the founding of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, recent incidents, changes and challenges in the Canadian SAR community highlight the need for continued exchanges and communication between us. The NSS' annual search and rescue conference SARscene provides such a venue and opportunity where SAR responders, practionners and delegates from coast to coast to coast and from abroad come together to share their ideas, best practices, lessons learned and experiences, and further the objectives of the National SAR Program.

The SAR needs of Canada are as immense as its geography and they continue to grow as does our population, increasing pressures on authorities and SAR responders. I can assure you that, despite the challenges, we will continue to actively develop programs and policies that will help foster the most seamless SAR response possible across Canada. We also remain committed to discussing with our stakeholders on the impact of potential changes – political and economic – on SAR in Canada. And we continue to focus on and broaden prevention outreach and awareness, with the intent of reducing the number and severity of SAR incidents.

Much has been accomplished in the last 25 years. Yet much remains to be done. As our country evolves in an era of fiscal constraints and global economic downturn, the National Search and Rescue Secretariat and the stakeholders of the National Search and Rescue Program continue their work to find creative and collaborative opportunities for seamless search and rescue services for Canadians, in keeping with the search and rescue motto "That others may live".

Géraldine Underdown, NSS Executive Director

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