The Government of Canada is establishing the National Award Medal for Search and Rescue, an initiative that is well overdue according to Todd Doherty, local MP for Cariboo-Prince George.
"It's about time. I was shocked because with all the background and research, this really is the largest group of volunteers and they need to be recognized," Doherty said.
"I'm so excited they are finally moving forward with it."
The move came after Mel Arnold, MP for North Okangan-Shuswap, tabled a private members bill, Bill C-347, in April which proposed to establish a national award medal for search and rescue volunteers.
The federal government has since announced an agreement with provincial and territorial ministers to establish the award under the Pan-Canadian Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award Initiative.
"I introduced my bill in April recognizing the essential contributions search and rescue volunteers make to public safety across Canada. I welcome the decision for federal, provincial and territorial governments to join me in this worthy objective," Arnold said.
Before Arnold's involvement, a member of search and rescue in lower Vancouver Island, Nicholas Kerr, asked for support from other volunteers and from the public in presenting a paper and petition to reach a goal of 5,000 and 10,000 signatures to show that search and rescue is worthy for a national service medal.
Kerr says the medal is long overdue since many other services are awarded with a service medal including, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal (20 years' service), Police Exemplary Service Medal (20 years' service), Canadian Forces Decoration (full time and reserve, 12 years' service), Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal (20 years' service), Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal and the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, Commissionaires Long Service Medal (12 years' service).
Kerr, a former member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, joined search and rescue after leaving the regular forces and has responded to various emergencies where people have been stranded in the wilderness, from hikers, climbers, campers and kayakers.
"Search and rescue is the only first responder organization that is not recognized for their hard work through a medal," Kerr told the Daily Observer after receiving a Sovereign's medal for his own work in search and rescue both nationally and internationally.
"Nick Kerr championed this and brought it to our attention," Doherty said.
"Our bill was progressing, and that's when Arnold decided to move it forward."
Doherty also introduced Bill C-211 before the House of Commons which establishes a national framework for those military and first responders dealing with post traumatic stress disorder.
"I thank the member for Cariboo-Prince George for seconding and supporting this bill," Arnold said.
Today, there are about 300 search and rescue teams and more than 12,000 volunteers across Canada.
"The recognition and appreciation for search and rescue volunteers proposed in my bill is overdue and whether it is achieved by my initiative or the government's I am happy it is coming to fruition," Arnold said.
"I am excited for the opportunity to identify and pursue a new bill and will continue to work hard for the communities I represent and those who keep them safe."
