One of the tasks of this Corps would be to develop links and training programs to utilize volunteers in the most effective way at the time of a disaster. This would mean setting up programs with the civilian sector and establishing strategies to approach an emergency so that the large number of people who volunteer their services can be quickly and effectively deployed. This coordination is essential to avoid waste of energy, resources and time. There are models of this cooperation in search and rescue organizations already, but the scope and training of volunteers must be greatly augmented. Such advance planning would also reduce costs and involve communities in the responsibility for preparedness.
Terrorists also present new threats to our security.
A terrorist can threaten to poison a municipal water supply or food source and nuclear terrorism is now technically possible. There are experts trained in the RCMP to deal with terrorists, but threat of a civil disaster would demand the involvement of the Emergency Response Corps to work in collaboration with those experts. Equipment Equipment needed for an effective response is often very specialized. Booms to contain ocean spills, oil slicker ships, specialized decontamination equipment, robots to send into radiation zones, and vehicles which minimize damage to the environment are all required. Equipment must be strategically located across the country so that the time required for effective response is minimized.