Media Release | Ontario Government
Radio Amateurs of Canada is receiving $545,000 to recruit and retain volunteers, upgrade skills and prepare teams for deployment within Ontario. These efforts will ensure a sustainable volunteer workforce is prepared with necessary skills for emergency telecommunications.
Radio Amateurs of Canada Strengthens Emergency Preparedness with Auxiliary Communications Service and New Recruitment Plan
For immediate release:
Toronto, Ontario – July 23, 2025
Radio Amateurs of Canada is proud to announce the development of the Auxiliary Communications Service in Ontario, alongside a comprehensive new recruitment and retention plan. This initiative is part of the Ontario government’s $10 million investment in emergency preparedness grants, aimed at enhancing the response capabilities of Ontario Corps partners across the province.
Under the leadership of Premier Ford and the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Radio Amateurs of Canada is receiving $545,000 to recruit and retain volunteers, upgrade skills, and prepare teams for deployment within Ontario. These efforts will ensure a sustainable volunteer workforce equipped with the necessary skills for emergency telecommunications.
The Auxiliary Communications Service will play a crucial role in providing reliable communication during emergencies, leveraging the expertise of skilled professionals and highly trained volunteers. This service will be instrumental in supporting local emergency responders and ensuring communities are better prepared to respond to local emergencies.
“We are honoured to stand with our Ontario NGO partners and the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response in this vital initiative.”
Radio Amateurs of Canada is part of a province-wide network of skilled professionals and highly trained volunteers who can be mobilized quickly to help communities hit hard by emergencies. Items that partners have already purchased using grants include emergency food kits, GPS devices, satellite phones, canteen trucks, portable shelters, training for volunteer drone pilots, and more.
During the ice storm that left thousands of Ontarians in the dark and cold earlier this year, Ontario Corps partners were deployed, volunteering over 6,000 hours. They provided tree-clearing services, supported evacuation reception centers, and delivered over 3,700 meals and food hampers, as well as conducted over 4,100 wellness checks.
Radio Amateurs of Canada is committed to enhancing emergency readiness and response capacity, ensuring that communities across Ontario are better prepared to face any challenges that may arise. We look forward to working closely with our partners and the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response to achieve these goals.
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