Please contact us via:

Email: sarscene@nss.gc.ca

Toll-free:
1-800-727-9414

Fax: 613-996-3746

Mail:
National Search and Rescue Secretariat
275 Slater, 4th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2

Link to SARSCENE Facebook Group

 

Link to SARSCENE page on Twitter

 

Link Tourisme Montréal Web siteTourisme Montréal

SARSCENE 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Questions and Answers

Why has the location changed from Regina, SK to Montréal, QC?

With the support of the Saskatchewan SAR Volunteer Association and the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, Government of Saskatchewan, it was agreed that the 2010 edition of SARSCENE would be moved from Regina, SK, to Montréal, QC, in order to offer benefit from a unique partnership opportunity with the Canadian Safe Boating Council.

Why partner with the Canadian Safe Boating Council?

The CSBC promotes safe and responsible boating throughout Canada. Prevention is an important component of the National SAR Program. The CSBC hosts an annual symposium attracting one hundred plus marine sector attendees over a two-day period. The next symposium will be in Montréal, from Sept. 23 to 25, 2010. The program will include a whole day devoted to the issue of Lifejacket/personal flotation device (PFD) wear, and there will be a cold water practical session for first responders. Holding SARSCENE immediately following the CSBC Symposium will provide SARSCENE attendees with the opportunity to attend some or all of the CSBC Symposium events and allow Symposium attendees to stay on and attend some or all of the SARSCENE events. Details of the CSBC Symposium can be found here: http://csbc.npts.ca/cms//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=119

What can I expect at SARSCENE?

As most of you know, the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, supported by its many SAR partners across Canada, undertook a revitalization of SARSCENE. Since 2009, this project has been ongoing, much research and feedback was gathered from the SAR community, and the format and content updated to reflect a more focused and balanced event, and ensure that participants receive increased value for the time and money they invest in attending.

The 2010 edition of SARSCENE will consist of:

Will future SARSCENES always be held in conjunction with a partner?

In the past, SARSCENE has successfully partnered with a number of valued co-hosts. As part of an improved strategic direction, we are committed to continue leveraging potential partnership opportunities as before, and also to expand and seek new kinds of arrangements offering diversity, flexibility, and a streamlined focus. If and where available, we want to offer opportunities for attendees to learn more, exchange more, deepen their knowledge about SAR, and increase value-added benefits for the time and money they invest in attending SARSCENE.

Furthermore, we anticipate increased industry and media exposure for partners and co-hosts, cross-pollination of SAR components for a more integrated SAR response, and increased focus on the key goals of prevention and public education.

Why the delays?

The announcement of the 2010 edition has been long awaited, and we were extremely anxious to get the message out to the community. As you know, the recent federal budget has impacted all of us, from taxpayers to government services. As part of its strategic development and planning, SARSCENE has been reformatted to a tighter focus, and will continue to deliver top notch SAR training, tools, information sharing, knowledge and networking opportunities, all reflected under a more prudent fiscal reality.

I want to be an exhibitor at SARSCENE. Where do I get more information?

Information will be posted shortly on the www.sarscene.ca website.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Please contact us via:

Email: sarscene@nss.gc.ca

Fax: 613-996-3746

Mail: National Search and Rescue Secretariat
275 Slater, 4th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2

What is SARSCENE?

Each year the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) organizes a national search and rescue education event as a key, core element of the National Search and Rescue Program whose purpose is to improve search and rescue response, prevention, education and technology. SARSCENE is also held in conjunction with projects funded by the SAR New Initiatives Fund, and features presentations from Canadian and international experts, SAR exhibitors, a media day, SAR games and the SAR Awards of Excellence Banquet. This year marks the eighteenth annual national outreach assembly of search and rescue providers from all agencies and jurisdictions across the country and internationally with search and rescue response and prevention responsibilities. 

Where and when will SARSCENE 2010 take place?

What is the program for SARSCENE 2010?

The program will feature such topics as:

The trade show area will feature SAR exhibitors with information on new products and technologies.

Who attends SARSCENE?

SARSCENE attracts participants from across Canada and internationally, including federal government representatives (Canadian Coast Guard, Department of National Defence, Meteorological Service of Canada, Parks Canada, RCMP and Transport Canada); provincial and municipal agencies and police involved in SAR operations; volunteers from ground, air and marine SAR teams; international SAR providers; canine handlers; and others.

Is SARSCENE open to the public?

SARSCENE attendance is restricted to registered search and rescue professionals, volunteers, law enforcement, first responders, EMOs, federal/provincial/territorial SAR representatives, and international SAR delegates.

What if I want to attend SARSCENE for one day only? Do you have a daily rate?

The registration rate provides entry into SARSCENE 2010 for both days.  Daily rate not available.

Do you have special group rates?

No, we don't. But we do have special rates for SAR volunteers and for early birds who register before July 16, 2010.  Please visit the Registration page.

If I register for myself, can my spouse/companion accompany me?

Only registered delegates are permitted at the event and related functions. However, there is a great deal to see and do in the Montréal area and the hotel concierge will gladly provide tourist information. You may also wish to visit the Montreal Tourism official Web site.

What is included in the registration package?

Your registration fee includes a delegate badge which will give you access to the event’s activities:

What is not included in the registration package?

The Awards Banquet is not included and tickets ($37.50) are sold separately. Breakfasts, dinners and personal expenses (parking, incidentals, phone charges, hotel room charges, etc.) are also not included.

Is the SAR Awards Banquet ticket included in the registration package?

No, the banquet ticket is a separate cost of $37.50 per ticket.

Where and when can I buy tickets for the Awards Banquet?

Tickets may be purchased by credit card until September 17, 2010.  Please use the order form found here.

Is my registration confirmation an invoice?

No. The registration confirmation indicates that you are officially registered.

How will I know when payment has been charged to my credit card, other than the statement?

Your receipt will be included in your delegate registration information package, available at the event registration desk.

Are accredited SAR dogs permitted at SARSCENE?

The host hotel Delta Centre-Ville allows accredited SAR dogs in hotel rooms (crated when left unattended) and on the premises (leashed at all times). Owners and handlers are entirely responsible for the behaviour, needs and wellbeing of their SAR dog.  It is expected that few – if any – SAR/police dogs will be on the premises during the event. If you are not staying at the Delta Centre-Ville hotel, you will need to verify the specific requirements of the property where you will be lodged.

I am an accredited media representative. How might I attend SARSCENE?

Accredited media must pre-register for the event. Contact the Media Relations Coordinator at 613-992-3472 or by e-mail at kim.fauteux@nss-snrs.gc.ca.

What about the SAR Games? Do I need to register or can I just show up?

Advance registration is required for the SARSCENE Games. Teams of four are requested to complete and submit the form that can be downloaded from the SARSCENE Web site.
Individuals are also encouraged to submit a registration form.  If a sufficient number of individual SAR Games registrations are received, they will be matched with other individual registrants to form teams. For additional information, please contact Carole Smith at 1-800-727-9414.

Will the NSS provide a list of SARSCENE registrants so I can contact them?

In accordance with the Government of Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, we are unable to provide delegate contact information. 

What are the SARSCENE dress guidelines for uniformed participants?

To assist with ensuring “uniformity” amongst the various military, police, fire, ambulance and other uniformed participants at SARSCENE, the following guidelines are presented:  

  1. Workshops, presentations, exhibits, meetings - Uniform Dress of the Day (work attire)
  2. Sunday Games and "Meet and greet" - Civilian casual attire
  3. Monday Opening Ceremony - Uniform Dress of the Day (If a speaker: tunic and tie; ribbons not medals) For playing of National Anthem, hats on and salute
  4. Monday Awards Banquet – Uniform tunic and tie; ribbons not medals

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