Protecting Quebecers – 200 Members of the Civil Security Emergency Response Reserve Ready for Deployment During Major Disasters

The Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, Mr. François Bonnardel, announces that the Civil Security Emergency Response Reserve (RIUSC) will be fully operational as of April 1, with 200 men and women ready to be deployed across Quebec’s regions to support municipalities in the event of a natural disaster.

A first in Canada, the RIUSC allows the Government of Quebec to rely on a team of 200 members who can provide assistance during civil security operations at the request of certain municipalities. This includes tasks such as protecting infrastructure, conducting territorial reconnaissance, or supporting the setup of emergency shelters or disaster relief service centres.

These new resources will complement those deployed by municipalities and will provide backup support when municipal operational capacity is exceeded, as civil security is first and foremost a municipal responsibility.

200 trained individuals ready for deployment

Between February 21 and March 29, 2025, four qualification camps will each bring together 50 participants with the goal of establishing a qualified and operational RIUSC, ready for deployment as of April 1, 2025.

Most of the newly trained responders are members of the Quebec Association of Search and Rescue Volunteers, while others come from the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU), the Red Cross, or other emergency response organizations.

The qualification camps consist of a day of theoretical training at the Ministry of Public Security's facilities, followed by a day of practical exercises in a municipality. Once trained, tested, and equipped, the reserve responders will be ready for deployment anywhere in Quebec.

Quotes:

“The government is preparing for future disasters with concrete measures to protect Quebecers, their property, and infrastructure. With the Civil Security Emergency Response Reserve, we will rely less on the Canadian Armed Forces during natural disasters by providing municipalities with additional human resources when their capacity is exceeded. The contribution of these men and women in the field during major disasters will make a real difference for the population in times of crisis.”

— François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region

“SOPFEU is proud to lend its expertise in emergency management and coordination to the RIUSC. The organization’s equipment, facilities, and part of its human resources will be leveraged to support the RIUSC’s activities. This new mandate aligns perfectly with our strategic plan, which aims to establish SOPFEU as a key partner for communities.”

— Éric Rousseau, General Manager, SOPFEU

“The Red Cross is honoured to have been chosen as a trusted partner in every stage of the RIUSC’s development and implementation. With our unique expertise, we are ready to support the RIUSC in strengthening Quebec’s disaster response capacity, both through coordination of support for disaster victims and vulnerable populations, and in emergency supply and logistics management.”

— Pascal Mathieu, Vice-President, Quebec, Canadian Red Cross

“The Quebec Association of Search and Rescue Volunteers is pleased to be part of the creation of the Civil Security Emergency Response Reserve. Our mobilization structure and the expertise of our volunteer members will support Quebec municipalities by providing direct assistance to affected citizens and contributing to the efforts of partner organizations.”

— Guy Lapointe, President, Quebec Association of Search and Rescue Volunteers

Key highlights:

Enabled by the reform of the Civil Security Act aimed at promoting disaster resilience, the creation of this reserve will directly support municipalities, upon request, during disasters that exceed their response capacity.

Before requesting the RIUSC’s mobilization, municipalities must first have activated their disaster response coordination structure, sought support from their regional civil security and fire safety office, and used the resources available through their intermunicipal assistance agreements.

Municipalities receiving RIUSC support during disasters will be required to contribute financially to its deployment costs. Municipalities will be billed for the services received and can include these expenses in their claims under the MSP’s financial assistance programs, in accordance with the program terms (e.g., General Financial Assistance Program for Disasters).

The RIUSC is funded for its launch, operations, and member training. The Quebec 2024–2025 budget allocates $30.5 million over five years for this initiative.

Related links:

Civil Security Act aimed at promoting disaster resilience

To learn more about the RIUSC: Civil Security Emergency Response Reserve

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