Ground Search and Rescue volunteers are a valuable part of emergency response in Prince Edward Island, says Public Safety Minister Doug Currie.
Members of the Legislative Assembly this afternoon approved third reading for bill number five, An Act to Amend the Volunteers Liability Act, affording Ground Search and Rescue volunteers the same liability protection that is provided to volunteer firefighters.
“Approximately 100 Ground Search and Rescue members contribute more than 2,000 volunteer hours in training, meetings and searches every year,” said Minister Currie. “They work to locate and rescue lost or injured persons, assist police authorities and EMO with evacuations and natural disasters, conduct searches for evidence, and provide public education on woods navigation.”
Ground Search and Rescue volunteers work under the direction of the RCMP in Prince Edward Island and in other areas when required. Earlier this month, 33 PEI Ground Search and Rescue team members provided a total of 890 volunteer hours over three days as part of a five-day search for a missing person in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.
“Our Ground Search and Rescue team is professional, experienced, well trained, and well disciplined,” said Minister Currie. “I am proud of the men and women who volunteer in this important duty and thank them for their sincere dedication.”