Disaster Response and Emergency Management Symposium
With wildfires, floods, and extreme heat becoming more frequent and destructive, the need for coordinated, climate-resilient emergency planning has never been greater.
CI’s Disaster Response and Emergency Management Symposium (DREMS) delivers actionable tools, peer case studies, and cross-sector dialogue to help participants turn policy into action before the 2026 disaster season and beyond.
Designed in collaboration with an exceptional lineup of frontline emergency managers, Indigenous leaders, regulators, and resilience experts, the agenda features tabletop simulations, success panels, and expert-led analysis to help attendees gain clarity on EDMA compliance, funding strategies, and Indigenous partnership from regulators, leaders, and frontline practitioners.
2026 Conference Highlights Include:
- Implementing the New Emergency & Disaster Management Act (EDMA)
- First Nations Leadership & Cultural Fire Practices
- Critical Infrastructure Continuity During Wildfires/Floods
- Health-System Preparedness for Extreme Heat & Smoke Events
- Insurance & Financing Strategies to Fund Community Resilience Projects
To view the full agenda, visit the event website
Speaker and Presenter Information
Dr. Enda Murphy, Assistant Professor, Coastal Engineering, The University of British Columbia
Kathryn Bakos, Managing Director, Finance and Resilience, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation
Dr. Noureddine Bénichou, Principal Research Officer, National Research Council
Aline Bennett, Senior Manager, Climate Risk & Resilience, Environmental Advisory, WSP in Canada
Chris Case, Fire Chief, Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue
Honourable Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Government of British Columbia
Charlene Joe, Director of Indigenous Engagement, City of Merritt
Courtney Killaby, Senior Analyst, Canadian Public Safety Operations Organization (CanOps)
Sean Strang, Director of Recovery and Mitigation, City of Merritt
Relevant Government Agencies
Dept of Health & Human Services, State Government, City Government, Municipal Government, FEMA, Federal Government, State & Local Government
This event has no exhibitor/sponsor opportunities
When
Wed-Thu, Feb 11-12, 2026
Cost
| Indigenous Communities, Govt, Non-Profits: | C$1695.00 (Until 01/16/2026) |
| Indigenous Communities, Govt, Non-Profits: | C$1795.00 (Until 02/12/2026) |
| Standard: | C$2295.00 (Until 01/16/2026) |
| Standard: | C$2495.00 (Until 02/12/2026) |
Where
Coast Capri Hotel
1171 Harvey Ave
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6E8 CA
Get directions
Website
Click here to visit event website
Organizer
Canadian Institute
Join the event conversation:
#DREMS
