The Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction in Canada

Abstract

This paper describes the steps taken in forming the Canadian National Committee (CNC) for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR). The Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Engineering took the lead in proposing the formation of the CNC-IDNDR with a wide representation from government departments, academia, industry, and NGOs. A strategic plan was developed suggesting key areas for research in Canada. The wide-ranging topics included the assessment of risk in Canada; the effect of natural disasters on school children; communications before, during, and after a disaster; and wind action on housing and low buildings (Project Storm Shelter). There was a proposal to establish a network of “Centers of Excellence” relating to natural disaster reduction. There were a number of successful projects. The unified hazard map of the United States, Mexico, and Canada is one. An assessment of Canadian hazards is another. Another was the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction established as a unique partnership between the Insurance Council of Canada and the University of Western Ontario. The disturbing note is that the three largest natural disasters in Canadian history (the Saguenay flood, the Red River flood, and the Ontario/Quebec ice storm) all took place during the Decade.