Canada’s role in consular emergency response

Canada plays a major role in preparing for, and responding to, large-scale emergencies abroad.

On this page

• Our emergency response mandate
• Collaboration with partners
• If you are affected by a large-scale emergency outside Canada

Our emergency response mandate

During large-scale emergencies abroad, Canada has a number of responsibilities:

• ensuring a timely and coherent whole-of-government response
• providing consular services and emergency consular assistance to affected Canadians
• conducting all diplomatic relations between the Government of Canada and other governments
• communicating for the Government of Canada with any international and non-government organizations involved
• coordinating emergency response directions
• supporting Government of Canada offices abroad

Collaboration with partners

Global Affairs Canada manages the response to crises abroad with the support of many international organizations and federal partners, including:

• Canada Border Services Agency
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• National Defence

We often work with other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as EU countries and other partners, to help Canadians abroad.

We also have a supporting role during the government’s response to large-scale emergencies within Canada when there are international implications.

If you are affected by a large-scale emergency outside Canada

Find out how we can help Canadians during a large-scale emergency, including limitations on service.

The Canadian Consular Services Charter outlines what the Government of Canada may do to assist Canadians affected by a large-scale emergency abroad.