Most Canadians feel country is not prepared for emergencies, extreme weather: poll

CITYnews halifax / By Michael Williams

If you’ve ever questioned Canada’s readiness to handle emergencies and extreme weather events, you’re not alone.

A recent survey by Nanos Research reveals that 61 per cent of Canadians believe the country is either unprepared or only somewhat prepared to respond to future crises.

“Things like…wildfires, floods, power disruptions, all types of natural disasters,” said Nik Nanos, chief data scientist at Nanos Research.

The national survey also found that 75 per cent of respondents anticipate an increase in emergencies in the coming years, while Nanos says “a whopping one per cent” think there will be fewer events.

“Think of it this way: Canadians understand and believe there will be more extreme events that require emergency responses, but [Canada] doesn’t do a very good job at being prepared,” Nanos told 1130 NewsRadio.

Federal government data indicates that between Dec. 2022 and Nove. 2023, disasters such as wildfires, floods, and tornadoes cost the country roughly $3.5-billion.

Nanos notes that 91 per cent of survey participants either fully support or somewhat support the establishment of a national volunteer disaster relief program. Furthermore, 82 per cent are in favour of creating a national disaster response agency. Meanwhile, 57 per cent of participants feel there is insufficient quality information available to Canadians regarding emergency preparedness.

“The good news is that there is a pretty significant interest in people wanting to learn more and do a better job when it comes to their personal emergency preparedness,” Nanos said.

These insights will be presented to local and federal leaders at a national convention aimed at creating a cohesive national strategy for emergency management.

The Canadian Emergency Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Convention will take place in Ottawa, Ont., from Sept. 24 to 26.