A new regulation from the Government of Alberta aims to improve response times and better protect Albertans in disasters.

The Emergency Management Act has been updated, and is now the Emergency Management Amendment Act, which will provide communities with an easy reference as they develop and refine their emergency management plans and programs.

Minister of Municipal Affairs for the Government of Alberta, Shayne Anderson, says by updating the legislation, they intend to apply what they've learned over the years as the number and severity of disasters has increased.

The new regulation will take effect January of 2020, and will require municipalities to have up-to-date emergency plans and programs in place that are regularly reviewed and implemented.

Communities will also be required to train elected and municipal employees, to ensure they understand the responsibilities associated with their roles, and will also be required to ensure that regional collaboration agreements with other municipalities are clear.

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