The Ontario government is expanding its emergency response network by adding Labatt Breweries of Canada as its first private-sector partner.
The London-based company has joined the Ontario Corps, a provincial program that connects volunteers and organizations to support communities during natural disasters.
“Now more than ever, we need all hands on deck to respond to extreme weather events and other emergencies,” said Emergency Preparedness and Response Minister Jill Dunlop.
The expansion comes after a year marked by a major ice storm and widespread wildfires that stretched emergency resources across the province. Provincial officials say Ontario Corps is designed to supplement municipal capacity when local resources are overwhelmed.
Ontario Corps expands after first year of deployments
Ontario Corps was first announced in December 2024 as a province-wide network of volunteers and skilled professionals that can be deployed during emergencies.
Since then, more than 3,000 individuals have signed up to volunteer through the program, according to the minister.
Municipalities request assistance through the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response when they determine additional help is needed.
“We work closely with our municipalities when they feel that they are at capacity and need extra resources brought in,” Dunlop said. “We can then reach out to Ontario Corps partners to help fill in the gaps where they may need additional support.”
The province says Ontario Corps has already been deployed during several emergencies, including last year’s wildland fire response and the spring ice storm.
“This is just the beginning,” Dunlop said. “We’re engaging more private-sector partners like Labatt as we create a strategic network of capabilities to help build a future-ready and resilient province.”
Labatt formalizes disaster response role
Labatt Breweries of Canada has responded to emergencies through its Disaster Relief Program since 2012.
“We have a long history of supporting communities, whether it’s water donation or hand sanitizer,” said Jeff Ryan, vice-president of corporate affairs. “We feel like it is our obligation as a local company.”
During disasters, the brewery pauses beer production to can drinking water instead, a practice that began at its London facility.
Since launching the program, Labatt has donated more than one million cans of water to communities across Canada.
“It’s consistent with who we are as a company,” Ryan said. “It was the obvious thing we could do and do it efficiently, quickly and with great pride.”
Both Ryan and Dunlop said the partnership extends beyond water.
Under the agreement, the province may call on Labatt to provide facilities, transportation, storage space and other logistical support during wildfires, floods and other emergencies.
Ryan said the partnership formalizes the company’s role and allows it to respond more effectively during emergencies.
“Wanting to help and not necessarily being able to help is a shame, so it’s very exciting,” he said. “It’s an efficient opportunity for us and will help us continue to support London and Ontarians.”