The website below lists the National HF Emergency Frequencies

https://www.rac.ca/en/rac/public-service/ares/frequencies/

Most folks speak about emergency planning, but seldom is mentioned about what to do AFTER the emergency has passed. There are some helpful tips at the site below

http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/ftr-eng.aspx

ARES UNITS; This may be helpful information to be incorporated in your training.

ARES folks… with the winter back east and now this little rattle …. a reminder to review your plans, train your crew and hold simulated emergency drills. Now is the time to practice, not when it happens

http://globalnews.ca/news/1831562/3-5-magnitude-earthquake-hits-vancouvers-coast/

The Vancouver Island Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held on the weekend of April 24th 2015 in Sooke, BC.  For all the information go to

http://www.viepconference.ca/

http://www.viepconference.ca/2015/

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Last week on Vancouver Island there was an event. A woman and her infant ended up in a river. The final out come  took several days to occur : it has not been happy.  The attached is an editorial in a local paper.  It is a reminder to all of us that first responders are there every day for us. We need to remember, and not  just on those Special Days, but everyday.  The photo above is ARRL HQ. They have  a memorial  that reminds us how hams have given their lives in the service of others. The responders never ask for  thanks, but they need to know we care.

http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/opinion/290797991.html?mobile=true

The issue of background checks for ARES folks continues to swirl, While the attached is a US issue it provides food for thought on this side of the border.

http://www.emergencymgmt.com/disaster/Should-Background-Checks-Required-Emergency-Volunteers.html

CG30F is a special event call sign issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Maple Leaf flag.  To see a list of special call signs go to

https://www.rac.ca/en/amateur-radio/regulatory/callsigns/special-event.php

As the family said yesterday, they were saying their goodbyes, today (Jan 21,2015) RCMP Cst. David Wynn died.  Articles such as the one below are becoming all to common. While there are many comments being made about the killer and his criminal record this is not the time or place to enter that conversation.

IT IS TIME to support the family, the RCMP and each other. We need to sit back, take a breath, and seriously look at where we are going as a society.

Our police and military are ALWAYS there for us both here at home and overseas. Their presence allows us to have our freedoms, not to mention our hobby of  ham radio. They all need our support.

Cst. Wynn, thank you for your public service across this country. To the Wynn family our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this terrible time.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/const-david-wynn-s-fatal-shooting-prompts-reviews-by-rcmp-alberta-1.2921383

http://www.cknw.com/2015/01/22/62901/

RAC is getting a look from Ontario amateurs who are responding to comments made by the RAC President on downloading the ARES function. The url noted below has been mentioned before, and I usually find some interesting comments when I drop in for a look. See what you think at

http://www.crrl.ca/news/2014/11/12/an-ontario-radio-society

The loss of 911 Service in a region of Ohio caused the activation of ARES units in Ohio. For more information go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/view/ares-volunteers-in-ohio-activate-following-loss-of-911-telephone-services