Toronto – In a move to bolster the province’s emergency preparedness and disaster response, the Ontario government has reintroduced the Emergency Management Modernization Act, 2025 — legislation aimed at strengthening coordination, expanding volunteer capacity, and modernizing emergency systems across Ontario.
Ontario is taking action to build a stronger and more resilient province.
Today, our government introduced the Emergency Management Modernization Act — legislation that, if passed, will enhance public safety and disaster response measures, including making Ontario Corps a key… pic.twitter.com/CATMYgKONP
— Jill Dunlop (@JillDunlop1) May 26, 2025
At the heart of the proposed legislation is the formal recognition of Ontario Corps as a critical emergency response body. The group, composed of trained volunteers and non-governmental partners, has already proven its effectiveness during this year’s spring ice storm, logging over 6,000 volunteer hours across affected communities. Their efforts included distributing generators, delivering 3,725 meals, conducting 4,100 wellness checks, and assisting with tree clearing and emergency shelter support.
“Extreme weather events like the ice storm this spring are unfortunately becoming more frequent,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Our legislation reflects the need to be more prepared in the event of an emergency.”
The proposed bill builds on Ontario’s newly established Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, created in March 2025, which separated the portfolio from other ministries to focus on disaster readiness, climate resilience, and emergency operations.
If passed, the legislation will give municipalities greater flexibility to design emergency management programs tailored to local risks and vulnerabilities — a shift toward more community-led, locally informed responses.
The Emergency Management Modernization Act is part of a broader provincial strategy to build a safer and more resilient Ontario, with expanded tools to address everything from climate-related disasters to mass evacuations and prolonged power outages.
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