Nominations for the 2026-27 Emergency Management Exemplary Service Awards (EMESA) are now open. The EMESA, a partnership between provincial, territorial and federal governments, honours individuals and groups working in emergency management who have achieved excellence in their respective fields. All local government nominations must be submitted by April 30, 2026.
Awards will be granted for: Resilient Communities, Next Generation, Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Management, Search and Rescue Volunteers and Search and Rescue Employees.
In 2024-25, BC emergency management professionals and volunteers received 18 nominations and nine awards – one of the highest totals in Canada.
- Simran Sandhu Emergency Program Coordinator for the Regional District of East Kootenay
- DriveBC project, managed by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
- Katia Tynan, Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction, City of Vancouver
- Emergency Support Services for Nations in the Mainland Coast Salish region
- Tanya Spooner, Manager of Emergency Programs, City of Prince George
- David Dickson, ESS
- Tribal Chief Tyrone McNeil, Chair of the Emergency Planning Secretariat
- Dylan Baker, Campbell River SAR
- Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 29 Ladysmith
Provincial and territorial governments are leading the nomination process for the resilient communities, next generation and outstanding contribution to emergency management categories. To submit a nomination or for information on the selection process in BC, please contact the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
Public Safety Canada is accepting pan-Canadian nominations for all categories, and Search and Rescue nominations for all jurisdictions. To submit a nomination or any questions, please contact Public Safety Canada.