Through the establishment of a Provincial Hazardous Material (Hazmat) Team, Prince Edward Island will soon be equipped to deal with emergencies related to hazardous materials.
Today, the Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization announced the establishment of a Provincial Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Team.
This team will provide response capability for emergency situations involving chemical, biological or radiological elements resulting from man-made incidents, natural disasters or terrorist threats or activities.
"Following the tragic events of September 11, as well as a number of emergencies at home over the past few years, we have increasingly felt the need to have a provincial response team and action plan in place to deal with emergencies involving the full range of hazardous materials from anthrax to propane," says Minister Shea.
The Hazmat Team will be created through a partnership with the federal government through the Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Preparedness (OCIPEP) and the PEI Firefighters Association.
Through the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program, a cost-sharing arrangement, the federal government will fund 75 per cent of the initial costs, and the provincial government will fund 25 per cent, as well as a $5,000 per annum commitment to maintain the team and the equipment.
Chief Bill Hogan and the PEI Fire Fighters Association will play a key role in the establishment and maintenance of the Hazmat team. The Fire Fighters Association Fire Training School will be responsible for training and the upkeep of materials and equipment for the Hazmat team.
"I would like to thank the many individuals who were involved in the creation of a Provincial Hazmat Team," says Minister Shea. "I would also like to thank the fire fighters who will soon begin training and help form our Hazmat team and help ensure that the province is prepared to deal with emergencies related to hazardous materials and thereby maintain the health and safety of Islanders."