The Province is helping make communities safer by strengthening emergency response capacity with grants to 100 emergency service organizations across Nova Scotia.

The Emergency Services Provider Fund helps organizations across the province pay for critical equipment and resources personal protective equipment, communications equipment, rescue tools, and more. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)

Through the Emergency Services Provider Fund - available to fire departments, hazardous materials units and ground search and rescue crews - organizations will receive up to $30,000 each to purchase emergency response equipment.

In total, more than $2.75 million will support projects that strengthen operational readiness and enhance emergency response capabilities.

"Emergency service organizations are at the heart of community safety across Nova Scotia," said Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management. "This funding helps ensure they have the equipment and resources they need to respond to emergencies safely and effectively. We are proud to support their work and recognize their continued commitment to protecting Nova Scotians."

Some types of critical equipment and resources that are eligible for funding through the fund's individual stream include:

• personal protective equipment
• communications equipment
• rescue tools
• hazardous materials response equipment
• water supply and suppression equipment
• emergency power systems.

The list of 2026 recipients is at: https://www.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/documents/1-1830/emergency-service-provider-fund-espf-grant-recipients-en.pdf

The Emergency Services Provider Fund also offers regional funding for emergency response organizations and municipalities that work together on projects that strengthen emergency services across a broader geographic area and enhance regional preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Regional stream applications are open until October 31.

Quick Facts:

• Emergency Services Provider Fund individual grants may cover up to 90 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $30,000 per organization

Additional Resources:

• Emergency Services Provider Fund: https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-funding-buy-equipment-thats-used-directly-response-fire-or-emergency-emergency-services-provider-fund
• Regional funding stream online application: https://www.forms.novascotia.ca/Submission/61d5b5e0-2d7c-4e40-a219-85950790c74c