Ontario Corps Partnership With CPA Ontario Strengthens Emergency Response
TORONTO — The Ontario government is expanding its Ontario Corps emergency response network by welcoming Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario) as its newest partner, adding financial planning and risk management expertise to the province’s growing emergency preparedness and response framework.
The announcement was made by Ontario Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop on June 15 as part of the province’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience and emergency response capacity.
Ontario officials say the partnership will help municipalities and local response teams access specialized financial expertise during and after emergencies, streamlining recovery efforts and supporting communities affected by natural disasters and other emergency situations.
“Being able to partner with CPA Ontario is a critical next step for Ontario Corps to help provide municipalities streamlined financial processes during and after emergencies,” Dunlop said in a statement.
Expanding Emergency Response Capacity
Through the partnership, CPA Ontario will engage its network of more than 105,000 members and 19,000 students across the province to support Ontario Corps operations when needed.
Municipal leaders have identified a growing need for professionals with expertise in financial planning, budgeting, auditing and risk management during emergency response and recovery operations. Provincial officials say CPAs can help municipalities navigate funding requirements, financial reporting and recovery planning following disasters.
Ontario Corps is designed to provide rapid support to communities impacted by emergencies by connecting volunteers, organizations and specialized resources through a coordinated provincial network.
Rapid Deployment During Emergencies
According to the province, Ontario Corps can be mobilized within 24 to 72 hours to assist communities facing emergencies.
The network is capable of deploying:
- Emergency personnel and volunteers
- Flood barriers and protective equipment
- Debris removal tools
- Emergency supplies
- Drone technology and support services
Ontario Corps has already been activated during several emergency situations, including the 2026 spring flooding response and the province’s 2025 ice storm and wildland fire emergencies.
Growing Network of Partners
CPA Ontario joins a growing roster of organizations supporting Ontario Corps, including:
- Labatt Breweries of Canada
- The Home Depot Canada
- Ontario Chamber of Commerce
- Ontario Mine Rescue
- Ontario Road Builders’ Association
- Uber Canada
The province continues to encourage volunteers from all professional and educational backgrounds to join the Ontario Corps network. Participants receive training and are matched with partner organizations based on their skills, interests and availability.
Future Emergency Operations Hub
Ontario officials also highlighted plans for a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters, which will serve as the future home of Ontario Corps.
The planned facility will operate as a 24-hour, year-round emergency command centre equipped with advanced technology to coordinate emergency management activities across Ontario.
Carol Wilding, President and CEO of CPA Ontario, said members of the accounting profession are committed to supporting communities during times of crisis.
“Through this partnership with Ontario Corps, CPAs across the province will have a meaningful opportunity to apply their skills to support communities in times of crisis,” Wilding said.
The partnership represents another step in Ontario’s broader strategy to strengthen emergency preparedness, expand volunteer capacity and improve coordination among public, private and community-sector organizations when disasters occur.
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