Connecting and Assisting Canadian Public Safety Organizations
Connecting and Assisting Canadian Public Safety Organizations
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Sustainable Search and Rescue National Data Management Initiative for GSAR.
We lead and facilitate multi-agency initiatives, standardization projects, and collaborative frameworks. Our national coordination ensures best practices and shared resources are leveraged, redundancies minimized, and responses are aligned — so public safety delivers maximum value for communities.
Business Lines
Sustainable Search and Rescue National Data Management Initiative for GSAR.
We lead and facilitate multi-agency initiatives, standardization projects, and collaborative frameworks. Our national coordination ensures best practices and shared resources are leveraged, redundancies minimized, and responses are aligned — so public safety delivers maximum value for communities.
The National GSAR Data Initiative is a pioneering effort led by CanOps to establish a comprehensive and streamlined approach to Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) incident data across Canada. Currently, there is a lack of cohesive national data on GSAR incidents, which hinders effective planning and response.
This initiative aims to build a national data governance system that will facilitate the collection, management, and analysis of GSAR incident data from operations nationwide. This work is being conducted in collaboration with the GSAR community, which includes federal agencies, provinces and territories, law enforcement, public safety agencies, and trained volunteers.
We strive to create a centralized data continuum that enhances our collective understanding of GSAR activities.
Overview
The Sustainable Search and Rescue (GSAR) National Incident Data Management Project establishes a long-term, national approach to incident data across Canada’s GSAR community. Launched January 6, 2025, and funded by the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF), administered by Public Safety Canada, the project is led by CanOps, a non-profit dedicated to strengthening public safety nationwide.
Accurate incident data is essential for evidence-based decision-making in prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Currently, GSAR operates through a complex network of federal, provincial, territorial, and local partners, making consistent national data collection challenging. This initiative ensures coordinated, standardized, and sustainable national data management.
The ultimate goal is to significantly reduce loss of life and suffering in search and rescue operations across Canada.
Developing a National GSAR Data Standard in collaboration with Statistics Canada.
Creating a National Data Stewardship Committee to maintain high-quality, standardized data practices.
Implementing an interim solution for annual data collection and reporting.
Establishing a National Strategic Leadership Committee to provide strategic direction and resolve cross-jurisdictional challenges.
Assessing long-term needs for an integrated National Data Management System.
