individual departmental activities and plans that directly or indirectly support the strategic objectives of this plan contribute to an integrated Government of Canada response. In order for this plan to be effective, all federal government institutions must be familiar with its contents. 1.2 Purpose The FERP is designed to harmonize federal emergency response efforts with those of the provinces/territorial governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. 1.3 Authorities The Minister of Public Safety is responsible for promoting and coordinating emergency management plans, and for coordinating the Government of Canada's response to an emergency. The Minister of Public Safety authorized the development of the FERP pursuant to the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act and the Emergency Management Act . Pursuant to the Emergency Management Act , all federal ministers are responsible for developing emergency management plans in relation to risks in their areas of accountability. Individual departmental activities and plans that directly or indirectly support the FERP's strategic objectives contribute to the integrated Government of Canada response. 1.4 Scope The FERP applies to domestic emergencies and to international emergencies with a domestic impact. This plan has both national and regional level components, which provide a framework for effective integration of effort both horizontally and vertically throughout the Federal Government. The FERP does not replace, but should be read in conjunction with or is complimentary to, event-specific or departmental plans or areas of responsibility. The FERP applies to all federal government institutions. Past emergencies in Canada demonstrate the challenges