Canada's federal, provincial and territorial senior officials responsible for emergency preparedness developed a long-term national communications strategy for emergency public awareness in 1997. EP Week was supported and entrenched as an annual event within that strategy. The theme addresses the fact that everyone has a responsibility to examine the risks they face in the communities where they live and work, and to undertake activities that could reduce the potential impacts of an emergency. Representatives of Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Preparedness and the provincial and territorial emergency measures organizations develop a national theme each year in consultation with other stakeholders. The theme provides the central focus for activities for the following year and the basis for a poster design.
Individuals can make a difference during an emergency if they are prepared.
Canadians should be aware of potential natural disasters and other risks associated with their region. Successful emergency response depends on co-ordinated emergency planning and preparedness. Working together at reducing the risks will result in safer communities in the 21st century, and therefore a safer and more secure quality of life for all Canadians. Every province and territory will make its own decision as to what activities it will undertake or co-ordinate at the local level. Participation levels will therefore vary across Canada.