<html><head></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><br><div><blockquote type="cite"><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 2.5pt; padding-top: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; position: static; z-index: auto; "><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: auto;border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial" size="7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 32px;"><b><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#000000" face="Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><br></span></font></b></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;border:none;
mso-border-bottom-alt:triple windowtext 2.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial">SAR Alberta<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;border:none;
mso-border-bottom-alt:triple windowtext 2.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">President’s
Report 2009 – 2010<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> </span></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">The 2009-2010 season for SAR
Alberta was a very productive and busy year for the organization. A number of
major initiatives were dealt with including the development of a strategic
plan, insurance and liability protection for members, adoption of some key
standards, and a provincial wide exercise. The association hired a fundraising
coordinator and worked with SARVAC to implement the Adventure Smart program
across the province and wrote and submitted a NIF proposal for a three-year
recruitment and retention program for search and rescue. As SAR Alberta starts
into a new board year it will do so with a new website, legislation in place to
protect volunteers, insurance for all teams, an implemented fundraising plan and
a strong working relationship with the RCMP and AEMA. It was a productive year.
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Thanks to all who offered
support and help throughout the year to make it such a success, your efforts
are greatly appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">Strategic
Plan<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Following input from the
membership at last year’s AGM and another session with the board of directors,
consultant Les Brost completed SAR Alberta’s Strategic plan. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">The Key Function Areas identified were</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:
150%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings;mso-bidi-font-family:
Wingdings"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">Ø<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Funding<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:
150%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings;mso-bidi-font-family:
Wingdings"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">Ø<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Certification
and Training<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:
150%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings;mso-bidi-font-family:
Wingdings"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">Ø<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Communications<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:
150%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings;mso-bidi-font-family:
Wingdings"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">Ø<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Governance<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:
150%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings;mso-bidi-font-family:
Wingdings"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">Ø<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Volunteer
Support<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Funding – key accomplishments<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">hiring of a
professional fundraiser, Tamara Alexander, who developed a fundraising plan and
has begun implementation of that plan – corporate and foundation sponsorship
part of overall plan. Fundraiser was hired through a special grant through AEMA.
Though the program ended March 31, Tamara has offered to stay on as a volunteer
to see the program through. Part of the program is to be a toolkit for teams to
help them with fundraising efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">training grants
– committee has been formed, and process for fundraising applications has been
streamlined and simplified in conjunction with AEMA<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">NIF – a three
year federal New Initiatives Fund project was put forward by SAR Alberta to
support recruitment and retention in the province – the status of the NIF is
not known at this time as it is still going through the federal process<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Donation to
Adventure Smart – the Adventure Smart program received a $4500 donation from
Cooperators Insurance in Calgary which included a larger donation to Calgary
SAR. The proceeds were from a golf tournament held by the Insurance company.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Numerous smaller
donations were received from individuals<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Certification and Training – key accomplishments<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">SAR Alberta
adopted a number of standards including those for boating, ATV use, and
snowmobiles. The telecommunications standard was also adopted<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">SAR Alberta is
working with AEMA and the FESTI committee – which is reviewing all standards,
certifications and accreditation process for all emergency services across the
province. The first draft of the FESTI report came out in March and SAR Alberta
was invited to comment and give input. The FESTI process will include the
opportunity for further input from SAR Alberta, teams and individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">The Standards
Committee was re-organized with Al Tomalty now taking on the duty of Chair. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A provincial
wide exercise was sponsored by Rocky Mountain House Volunteer SAR – there was
excellent participation by teams across the province and it was a valuable
learning exercise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Communications <span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>- key accomplishments<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">SAR Alberta has
developed a new website which will be online by the AGM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">The President
and Vice-President met on two occasions with the Minister of Municipal Affairs
to discuss the insurance issue – Harry Blackmore President of the Search and
Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada was present at the second meeting to
discuss the Algoma insurance policy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Fire Commissioner
and Executive Director Trent West has become the liaison for AEMA with SAR
Alberta. Trent has moved a number of initiatives forward and strong working
relationship has been developed. Thanks to this strengthened relationship progress
is now being made on a number of issues.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">The newsletter
has continued to go out on a regular bases thanks to the efforts of Chris Hoare<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Rodney Dietrich
worked to compile the statistics for SAR in Alberta – completing the stats for
2008 and continuing to press groups for their stats for 2009. The stats have
proved extremely important in our fundraising and government relation efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Numerous radio,
television and newspaper interviews were given over the year – most in response
to the Golden incident and insurance issues<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">AEMA is looking
for Search and Rescue articles and input to the redesigned ON SCENE newsletter
that goes out from that department <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A letter was
sent to all the MLA’s and Ministers in the province explaining search and
rescue and the roll we play in Alberta.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Ten new
individuals were trained in the Adventure Smart program during a training
session in Toronto in October. A committee has been formed and further training
is being carried out in Alberta. A plan on how to roll the program out in
Alberta has been developed and implementation has began. Carianne Budalich from
Grande Prairie SAR is coordinating this initiative. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">An external
communication plan has been discussed as part of the fundraising initiative –
the website is also an important part of this initiative<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:auto"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Governance <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Positions on the
SAR Alberta board still need to be filled – it will be particularly important
for teams and regions to have representation over the next few years as the
roles of SAR Alberta shift in light of the new relationship with AEMA<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">SAR Alberta
still needs to review its bylaws – this will be important in the coming year as
the role of the association evolves <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A working
committee is being established that will work closely with AEMA on key
strategies and directions for search and rescue in Alberta in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Volunteer Support<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Legislation and
insurance are both going to be put in place to give legal protection to
volunteers. The insurance is being covered until September 2011, to allow time
for a national initiative to be fully explored.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">The Adventure
Smart program was implemented in Alberta through the SARVAC training initiative<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">The process for
identity cards still needs to be streamlined and made more efficient for teams<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:auto"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Insurance and Legislation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">In March the Alberta
Government made amendments to the Emergency Management Act through Bill 6. Part
of those amendments included the addition of a section on protection for search
and rescue volunteers. AEMA and SAR Alberta are working together on the
implementation of this legislation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">A special conditional grant
has been given to SAR Alberta to secure insurance for teams until September
2011. The reason for this date was to allow for a federal option to be fully
explored. Teams requiring the Algoma insurance will need to have a budget
prepared and will be required to enter into agreement with the Minister. All
teams in Alberta are encouraged to have insurance and this will become a
requirement in order to be tasked. SAR Alberta understands there are teams who
have insurance in place and have arrangements with their municipality that they
would like to maintain, that is fine, the key is that all teams now have access
to paid insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Challenges<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">While many accomplishments
were made over the last year SAR Alberta does have ongoing challenges that will
need to be worked on. How the organization administers its affairs and is
funded to do so is probably one of the key issues as it moves forward in its
new role with AEMA and the Alberta Government. The organization has already out
grown its capacity to function strictly as a volunteer organization – and lack
of funding and administrative support in the past have severely hampered the
organizations ability to be effective and to make progress. Ongoing funding and
a re-evaluation of SAR Alberta’s role will be crucial as the organization moves
forward. Below are some of those key issues and challenges:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Administration <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">increased record
keeping – accreditation and certification of members <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">need for stats<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">data bases for
teams – SAR Alberta<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">standards = more
regulation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:auto"><span style="font-family:Arial"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Recruitment and Retention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">age of
volunteers – teams are getting older – younger people simply are not
volunteering (for anything)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">more hassle with
standardization, accreditation etc. – additional administration may result in a
further lack of interest or people dropping out due to the perceived hassle<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Shifting of Roles – lack of
searches<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Wilderness/urban
search and rescue function <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>-
diminishing due to increased use of GPS, cell phones etc – teams becoming less
used and experience – affecting recruitment and retention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Civil Emergency
Response (major connection into Emergency response and AEMA) – program in
serious need of revamp <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Evidence
searches<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>- becoming a staple for
the larger urban teams – however, no provincial wide training course or
standard practice identified<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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