SASKATOON, Nov. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - From our most mundane decisions to some of our country's biggest challenges, like storms and major snowfalls, many of our activities are directly influenced by the weather. By modernizing our weather-radar network, the Government of Canada is showing its commitment to better predict and prepare for weather-related emergencies—many of which are exacerbated by climate change—which gives Canadian families and industries more time to protect themselves.
Today, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Ralph Goodale, is pleased to announce that the installation of the first of a series of new weather radars has started in Radisson, Saskatchewan. This radar is expected to be operational by the end of December 2017. The installation of four additional new weather radars across Canada is also planned by the end of March 2019 and up to seven per year thereafter, until the end of the project in 2023.
Canadians in West-Central Saskatchewan will benefit from better and timelier severe-weather warnings resulting from the installation of the new, more powerful, state-of-the-art weather-radar facilities in Radisson. Consequently, communities and agricultural operations in Saskatchewan will have access to more reliable weather information to help them plan and adapt to a changing climate during the next growing season.
Weather radars are the primary tool used by meteorologists to forecast short-term severe-weather events associated with thunderstorms, tornadoes, ice storms, and blizzards. Equipped with modern technology, the new radars will provide more frequent updates, and they will have an extended tornado-detection range, giving Canadians greater lead time to take shelter.
Weather information supplied from the radars is also used by key sectors of the economy, which need to adapt to the effects of changing weather and environmental conditions, including transport, tourism and recreation, agriculture, and public health and safety.
The Government of Canada continues to take a leadership role in tackling and adapting to climate change, protecting the water we use, and helping our country—and the world—grow cleaner economies. The world has come to recognize that protecting the environment, addressing climate change, and supporting economic growth go hand in hand.
Quotes
"To keep up with the effects of a changing climate, our scientists, meteorologists, and technologists can rely on the most advanced science and technology to deliver accurate and timely weather forecasts and warnings to Canadians. Having information sooner means that Canadians have more time to protect themselves and their property from the effects of severe weather."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"Our government is committed to ensuring Canadians have a weather-forecasting system they can rely on. These new, modern radars will play an essential role in ensuring public safety by providing emergency-management organizations with timely and accurate severe-weather information so they can make the appropriate decisions to protect the life of Canadians."
– Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free), [email protected]
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