Province Strengthens Ontario Corps to Improve Emergency Transportation and Disaster Support
TORONTO — The Ontario government has added Uber Canada to its growing Ontario Corps emergency response network, a move aimed at improving transportation and logistics support during natural disasters and community emergencies across the province.
The announcement, made Wednesday by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to strengthen emergency readiness through partnerships with private-sector organizations and volunteers capable of mobilizing quickly during crises.
Ontario Corps was established to support communities affected by emergencies by coordinating personnel, equipment and critical services within short response windows. Provincial officials said the addition of Uber Canada will help expand transportation capacity for evacuees, emergency workers and essential supplies when severe weather events or other disasters occur.
Uber Canada to Support Evacuations and Supply Delivery
Under the partnership, Uber Canada will provide transportation assistance in areas where the company operates throughout Ontario. Services may include rides to evacuation and reception centres, hospitals and other emergency locations through free or discounted ride vouchers for residents and first responders.
The company will also support logistical operations by helping transport meals, hygiene kits and donated goods between warehouses, distribution centres and affected communities. Large-scale relief shipments may also be coordinated through the partnership during major emergencies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Uber into our Ontario Corps network to expand our emergency transportation resources to ensure our communities receive help quickly and efficiently,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “When time is of the essence, delivering life-saving supplies across Ontario can make all the difference during emergencies.”
The province said Ontario Corps can typically mobilize within 24 to 72 hours following an emergency declaration or urgent request for assistance. Resources available through the network include trained personnel, heavy machinery, debris removal tools, flood barriers, drones and emergency supplies.
Ontario Building Broader Emergency Preparedness Capacity
The Ontario government has increasingly focused on emergency preparedness following several severe weather events and climate-related disasters in recent years, including floods, wildfires and ice storms.
According to the province, Ontario Corps was deployed during the 2026 spring flooding response as well as the 2025 ice storm and wildland fire emergencies. During the spring floods, volunteers and partner organizations assisted with sandbag operations, evacuation centre support and mental health services for affected residents.
The province also confirmed that a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters is being developed to serve as the future operational hub for Ontario Corps. Officials said the facility will operate year-round as a 24-hour command centre equipped with advanced emergency management technology.
Transportation Seen as Critical During Emergencies
Provincial officials emphasized that transportation infrastructure and mobility services are essential components of emergency management planning, particularly during evacuations and supply distribution efforts.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments in transportation infrastructure to keep people and goods moving safely across Ontario. When emergencies happen, communities need transportation options they can count on. Welcoming Uber Canada to Ontario Corps will help move evacuees, first responders and essential supplies quickly and safely when it matters most.”
- Prabmeet Sarkaria
Minister of Transportation
The partnership also reflects increasing collaboration between governments and private-sector companies in disaster response operations, particularly in areas such as logistics, communications and mobility services.
Uber Canada Highlights Community Response Role
Uber Canada said the partnership aligns with its efforts to support communities during emergencies and improve coordination with government agencies and relief organizations.
“In emergencies, access to reliable transportation and logistics can make a real difference in keeping people safe and communities connected. This partnership with Ontario Corps reflects Uber Canada’s commitment to showing up for communities across the province, helping people get to safety and supporting the movement of essential goods and services when they are needed most. By working alongside the Government of Ontario and emergency response partners, we can help strengthen preparedness, improve coordination, and support communities as they respond to and recover from disasters.”
- Laura Miller
Head of Public Policy and Communications, Uber Canada
Province Encouraging Volunteer Participation
Alongside expanding corporate partnerships, the Ontario government continues to recruit volunteers for Ontario Corps from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds.
Officials said volunteers receive training before being matched with partner organizations based on their skills, interests and availability. The province has encouraged residents to participate as part of broader efforts to improve local resilience during emergencies.
The government said Ontario Corps remains a central part of its emergency preparedness strategy as Ontario faces increasing risks associated with extreme weather events and other large-scale emergencies.