Programs and Services

Manitoba EMO is responsible for the administration of several key programs:

Manitoba Emergency Coordination Centre

The Manitoba Emergency Coordination Centre (MECC) is the focal point in emergency and disaster coordination for the Manitoba government.

The MECC brings together decision makers and experts and is activated during an emergency or disaster to ensure centralized coordination of the provincial response. The MECC also coordinates with federal, municipal, and external organizations.

Alert Ready

What is Alert Ready?

The National Public Alerting System (NPAS), also known as Alert Ready, is a federal/provincial/territorial initiative and designed to share critical and potentially life-saving emergency alerts with Canadians. This system facilitates the timely notification of the public regarding imminent or ongoing threats to life safety.

Who is responsible for Alert Ready?

Alert Ready is a collaborative initiative managed by multiple organizations. Public Safety Canada oversees the national public alerting system in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, who issue public alerts within their regions. Pelmorex Corp. operates the technical infrastructure of the system through the National Alert Aggregation and Dissemination (NAAD) System. Broadcasters and wireless service providers distribute the alerts to the public, as mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which regulates their compliance.

How is Alert Ready administered in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, the Alert Ready system is responsible for administering emergency alerts, which are disseminated through various channels including radio, cable television, satellite television, websites, and compatible wireless devices. It is important to note that opting out of receiving emergency alerts on wireless devices is not possible. However, due to issues such as wireless device, network, coverage, or software compatibility, not all Manitobans may receive these alerts. The issuance of emergency alerts in Manitoba is authorized exclusively by the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

How do we ensure Alert Ready will work in an emergency?

Public awareness tests are run periodically to ensure the Alert Ready system is functioning appropriately.

Have a question or comment about Alert Ready?

Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve the Manitoba Emergency Alerting Program. If you heard/saw an alert, complete our Alert Ready Feedback Form.

For additional inquiries not covered in this section, please refer to our list of frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Manitoba Emergency Plan

Manitoba EMO is responsible for managing the Manitoba Emergency Plan (MEP). The MEP is a document that outlines the coordination plan for an "all of government" response to major emergencies or disasters in the province, regardless of the cause or hazard. While the MEP is mostly directed to provincial departments, it also contains important information for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local authorities and federal agencies.

Click below to view the MEP:

• Main Document - Version 2.3 - April 2018.pdf
• Schedule 1 - MEMS version 2.3
• MEMS Diagram
• Schedule 2 - Roles and Responsibilities
• Schedule 3 - Non-Governmental Organizations
• Schedule 5 - Template for Declaration of a State of Local Emergency
• Schedule 6 - Evacuations version 2.3.pdf
• Schedule 7 - Telecommunications

Annexes to the Manitoba Emergency Plana:

• Manitoba Flood Coordination Plan
• Manitoba Environmental Emergency Coordination Annex
• Manitoba Urban Interface Fire Annex

Disaster Financial Assistance

When a natural disaster occurs, the Manitoba government may declare the event eligible for disaster financial assistance (DFA).

The DFA program helps Manitobans recover by providing financial assistance for uninsurable losses to basic and essential property.

Assistance is generally provided for the recovery needs of:

• Local authorities;
• Occupied private principle residential properties;
• Farms;
• Small businesses; and
• Not-for-profit organizations

DFA is a program of last resort and is meant to re-establish a basic standard of living and operations. Claimants must also share in the cost of recovery. Not all emergencies or disasters will result in a DFA program. Three criteria must be met:

• Damages from the event are widespread and affect a large area or number of residents;
• Damages from the event are mostly uninsurable; and
• Damages from the event represent a significant financial burden.

Education and Training

Emergency management training is an essential part of an emergency management program. Manitoba EMO coordinates a provincial training program to:

• Enhance the skills and capacity of emergency managers and likeminded individuals.
• Increase knowledge and experience in emergency management.

Manitoba EMO currently offers courses in Basics of Emergency Management, Emergency Social Services (ESS), Emergency Operations Centre, Emergency Management Overview for Elected Officials, and Incident Command System. All courses are available online through our training hub. In-person training is also available.

Disaster Risk Reduction

Manitoba EMO helps to reduce the risk of natural disasters by delivering mitigation services and programs, and providing funding to people and local authorities for these efforts.

Programs like the Mitigation and Preparedness Program (MPP) make stronger communities that are better prepared for disasters.

Compensation Programing

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) actively manages provincial water infrastructure, including the Red River Floodway and Shellmouth Dam, to offer flood protection and other benefits to Manitobans.

Under the Water Resources Administration Act, the Manitoba EMO administers the Shellmouth Dam and the Red River Floodway compensation programs to provide fair and prompt compensation for property or economic losses experienced from artificial flooding.