Published on August 27, 2024
The Shaw Centre, Ottawa’s premier event venue, is excited and honoured to share its role as the host for the inaugural Canadian National Emergency Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Convention (CEPCA).
This landmark event from September 24th to 26th is poised to bring together over 6,000 attendees, including 1,500 conference delegates, on an expansive exhibition floor featuring over 150 exhibitors. With its blend of a strategic conference, a technical conference, and a comprehensive exhibition, CEPCA aims to foster a collaborative environment where key stakeholders can address some of the most pressing challenges facing Canada today.
The mission of CEPCA is clear: to connect government bodies, private sector entities, Indigenous communities, and other key stakeholders to discuss and strategize on national-level risk assessment, emergency management plans, disaster response strategies, climate adaptation measures, and the integration of innovation and technology in emergency preparedness. This convention is not just a gathering; it is a critical step toward creating a more cohesive and effective emergency management and climate adaptation framework for Canada.
At the heart of the convention is the Strategic Conference, which will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including Nahuel Arenas Garcia, Chief of the Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean, UNDRR; Erica Fleck, Director of Emergency Management, City of Halifax; and Brock Long, Former FEMA Administrator Executive Chairman, Hagerty Consulting, among others. These thought leaders will share their insights and experiences, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and the development of actionable strategies.
CEPCA believes Canada’s emergency management ecosystem is currently fragmented, putting public safety at risk, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and severe. CEPCA is dedicated to fostering collaboration within this crucial sector, breaking down silos, and enhancing the nation’s ability to protect its citizens. The convention will emphasize several key pillars, including the importance of creating resilient infrastructure and communities, deploying innovative climate technologies, and ensuring that Indigenous traditions are integrated into climate solutions.
One of the key messages of the convention is the necessity of an integrated approach to emergency management and climate adaptation. By working together, sharing resources, and leveraging networks, stakeholders can enhance public safety and community resilience across Canada. Building trust among these stakeholders is essential, as it leads to more effective and sustainable outcomes in public safety. Moreover, investing in resilient infrastructure is critical to safeguarding the well-being of all Canadians in the face of increasing natural hazards.
Innovation will also be a focal point at CEPCA. The convention will highlight cutting-edge climate technologies, such as drones and wildfire satellites, which are practical, affordable, and scalable. These technologies are crucial for improving emergency responses and ensuring that help reaches those in need more efficiently. Investing in these advanced technologies will help future-proof Canada’s emergency response capabilities, making them more robust and adaptable.
Another vital aspect of the convention is knowledge sharing. By strengthening interprovincial networks and fostering mutual support, provinces can enhance their capacity to respond to emergencies. Collaborative training programs will empower emergency management teams to adopt best practices, ensuring a unified and coordinated response across the country.
Finally, CEPCA will prioritize Indigenous traditions, recognizing their vital role in developing sustainable, culturally respectful solutions to the climate crisis. Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate-related hazards, and their knowledge and traditions are essential in building resilient ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
In hosting CEPCA at the Shaw Centre, it is not just providing a venue but playing a pivotal role in facilitating a convention that will help shape the future of emergency preparedness and climate adaptation in Canada. This convention is foundational to safeguarding our communities and natural environments, and the Shaw Centre is proud to be at the forefront of this critical initiative.
