The federal government is providing about $1.15 million for two search and rescue projects in Saskatchewan.
The funding will support projects led by the Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers, known as SARSAV.
Buckley Belanger, secretary of state for rural development, announced the funding July 9 in La Loche on behalf of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Minister Eleanor Olszewski.
Volunteer recruitment and water response targeted
Ottawa says the funding will support volunteer recruitment and retention, while also strengthening search and rescue response on water and along shorelines.
The projects will include enhanced training, resources and coordination, as well as new Geographic Information System-based mapping tools.
The funding comes through the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund, a federal program aimed at strengthening prevention and improving search and rescue response across Canada.
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Northern and remote response highlighted
The federal government says search and rescue operations are especially complex in rural, remote and northern regions, where weather, distance and difficult terrain can affect emergency response.
Belanger said well-trained and well-equipped teams are essential in communities where conditions can change quickly and a fast response can make a major difference.
He said the funding will help expand inclusive volunteer participation and improve response on water and shorelines.
Saskatoon conference also supported
SARSAV president Bobbi Buchanan said previous funding has helped strengthen volunteer search and rescue in Saskatchewan through disaster assistance training, multi-agency exercises, near-water training, governance development and public safety programming.
The federal government says the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund has provided $61 million for search and rescue activities across Canada since 2015.
Ottawa is also supporting SARscene 2026 with $515,400 in funding.
The national search and rescue conference will be hosted by SARSAV in Saskatoon from Oct. 7 to 11, bringing together volunteers, professionals, academics, industry and governments.