Nominations are now open for the 2026 to 2027 Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award
Across British Columbia, emergency management practitioners, volunteers and community leaders help keep people safe, build resilience and protect what we value. Through all four phases of emergency management – mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery – their efforts touch all of us.
Many of these individuals work behind the scenes, with actions and impactful contributions often going unnoticed.
The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award (EMESA) helps bring this important work to the forefront. This prestigious award is a partnership between federal, provincial and territorial governments and honours individuals and groups who demonstrate excellence in their emergency management fields.
Nominations are now open for the 2026/27 award cycle. This is an opportunity to recognize the people and teams who support stronger, safer and more resilient communities across B.C. The award recognizes achievements ranging from sustained leadership in emergency management to practical, on-the-ground actions that help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
Recognizing excellence in emergency management
There are five categories:
- Resilient Communities
- Next Generation
- Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Management
- Search and Rescue Volunteers
- Search and Rescue Employees
Showcasing the people behind the work
Past nominees and recipients from B.C. have included youth leaders, Indigenous organizations, volunteers, community groups and people working at the local and provincial government level.
In the 2024–25 nomination cycle, B.C. emergency management professionals and volunteers received 18 nominations and 9 awards in total, making B.C. one of the most recognized provinces in the country that year. B.C. received 11 nominations in the Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Management category, four in the Resilient Communities category and one in the Next Generation category, and two in the Search and Rescue Volunteers category. Together, these results highlight the many ways people contribute to emergency management and the opportunities to celebrate both established and emerging leaders.
Nominations in the Next Generation category have historically been lower. If you know someone under the age of 30 who is making a positive impact, nominate them today! Recognizing emerging leaders who are shaping the future of emergency management helps build long-term capacity in the field. Mentoring, encouraging and recognizing new talent is an important part of maintaining strong, resilient emergency management programs. If you would like to promote the award in your community, you can download and share the poster from Public Safety Canada.
Submit a nomination today
All nominations must be submitted by April 30, 2026.
Learn more about the award categories, eligibility and nomination forms from Public Safety Canada.
For more information or to submit a provincial nomination, email the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.