What is CAER?
The Oakville / Mississauga Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) Group has been working since its inception in 1988 to reduce risks to health, safety, and the environment in your neighbourhood.
In this group, local industry representatives work with the municipal and regional emergency planning personnel on matters of public safety. The CAER Group developed, as did similar ones in various parts of Canada, as part of a broad initiative of the Canadian Chemical Producers’ Association (CCPA). This initiative called “Responsible Care®” focuses on the safe handling of chemicals throughout their life cycle.
The overall CAER Group membership includes chemical companies, regional emergency planning departments, local fire and police departments, and many other firms which use and transport chemicals.
A key element of the CAER program is the “Community Right to Know” policy, established to enhance communication between the chemical industry and surrounding neighbourhoods. The program requires companies to operate their facilities in a safe and responsible manner. It also requires a commitment towards emergency preparedness within company plants and the development of a Chemical Emergency Response Plan, in co-ordination with the Municipal and Regional Emergency Plans.
Facilities are designed and operated to minimize risks, but in the event of an emergency, are able to respond to the situation. Additional assistance is available through the local emergency services, and the CAER Group. Members’ emergency response plans are regularly revised and updated and, where appropriate, have been reviewed by their local fire department.
The CAER Group meets on a monthly basis. Formal membership in the Group is not required and any companies involved with the manufacturing, storage, handling or distribution of chemicals within Oakville and Mississauga are welcome to attend.