Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association (NLSARA) is proud to be hosting SARSCENE 2023 on September 14-17, 2023, in St. John’s, NL

SARSCENE is the largest national search and rescue (SAR) conference and expo where Canadian and International SAR professionals (Air, Ground, and Marine) gather to learn about new technologies, equipment, share ideas and experiences and discuss issues facing SAR. We are pleased to welcome you to a live, in person event following the tremendous success of SARSCENE 2021’s virtual conference.

The event will be hosted at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre in the heart of historic downtown St. John’s September 15-17, 2023, with SAR games taking place on September 14th, at the Rotary Sunshine Park’s outdoor recreational facility.

Registration for the SARSCENE 2023 Games will begin on April 18, 2023 at 12:00pm  NST. For information or to register email Karen Didham at nacpadmin@sarvac.ca. First come first served space is limited to 16 teams.

Included:

SARSCENE 2023

Join in for a Fun Filled Day to test your SAR skills!

On September 14, 2023 the SARSCENE 2023 GAMES will be held at the Sunshine Rotary Park just 18 minutes from downtown St. John’s!

The SAR Games consists of six SAR related challenges in which four member teams will be scored on their ingenuity, quick thinking, knowledge and co-operation.

This one-day event, is a friendly competition that will challenge not only your SAR abilities, but you may just win the covenant William Slaughter Trophy. However, more importantly, bragging rights to be the best SAR team at the games! In addition, the top three team members will receive medals.

A moose burger lunch will be provided, along with snacks and refreshments.

There will be a shuttle bus service to the site all day from the Delta Hotel.

Keep checking back for additional details, and some hints about the SAR GAMES! Registration begins April 18 at 12:00pm, please email Karen Didham at nacpadmin@sarvac.ca. First come first served space is limited to 16 teams.

SARSCENE 2023 games

SARSCENE 2023 Trade Show

Does your company want to create awareness or showcase a product/service in the field of Search and Rescue?

SARSCENE 2023 Trade Show is a platform where participating exhibitors have an opportunity to promote their products and service to conference attendees that all have a mutual interest in search and rescue.

There will be sharing of information, equipment, and supplies to promote all aspects of search and rescue. 

The Delta has a large open space outside of the conference room that is perfect for exhibitions and demonstrations. The booth space is 10’ x 6’, with a rate of $600 for duration of the conference.

Be sure to book your place in time. Please see the trade show hours, floor plan and availability. For Booking, please email sarscene2023@nlsara.ca.

Keynote Speaker

Scott Wright, PhD, CEC

Topic: Canadian SAR – Creating the borderless response coast to coast to coast.

Scott has had the privilege of fulfilling leadership roles over the last 40 years in SAR, Agriculture Canada, the Alberta Government, Saskatchewan Agriculture, The Star Group of Companies and is currently the Director of the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence at the University of Saskatchewan. Scott was President of Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) from 2012-2020, Co-Chaired the GSARCC Council 2020-2022, and was President of Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV) and Search and Rescue Regina, and Chair of the CSA Technical Steering Committee for the development of GSAR Standards in Canada as well as being a current SAR Instructor with SARI for Searcher, Team Leader, Search Manager and DART Programs. Scott has diverse interests both in and outside of the workplace that span science and business to the development of people and a busy farm life. His ‘outside’ activities include delivering Executive Coaching and Leadership Development blended with personal development work in Emotional Intelligence.

Presenter

Stephanie Lagace

Deputy Chief Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

Topic: Ann Marie Shirran Homicide – Working Together

Stephanie Lagacy was hired with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in 2002. She completed eleven years as a Constable working in a variety of different positions such as; Street Patrol Officer, Child Abuse/ Sexual Assault Investigator, Major Crimes Investigator and as an Undercover Police Officer for multiple policing projects. In 2012, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where supervised Street Patrol Operations, in both Labrador City and St. John’s. In 2018, she was assigned the Sergeant’s role in the Major Crimes Unit. In 2021, she was appointed to Inspector in charge of Crimes Against Persons, and in 2022 appointed as the Deputy Chief overseeing Criminal Operations..

Presenter

Dr. Alec Ritchie

North Shore Rescue

Topic: Experience of the North Shore Rescue (NSR) Team with medical rescue calls

Dr. Alec Ritchie is an emergency physician at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver BC, a medical consultant for BC Emergency Health Services, and a clinical professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UBC. Combining his interest in emergency medicine and his love of the mountains, he became involved in search and rescue as a member of North Shore Rescue, a volunteer ski patroller for Whistler Mountain, and a staff doctor at Mike Wiegele’s Helicopter Skiing in Blue River BC. He sits on the Advisory Council of the BC Search and Rescue Association.

Presenter

Kayla Brolly

North Shore Rescue

Topic: Experience of the North Shore Rescue (NSR) Team with medical rescue calls

Kayla Brolly is an Emergency Department Registered Nurse, a full time member of North Shore Rescue and has been published in the peer reviewed journal Wilderness and Environmental Medicine. In her previous life she was a professional ski patroller and rappel forest firefighter.

On North Shore Rescue she has held the roles of Ground Search Team Leader, Executive Officer, Medical Advisory Committee Member, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Helicopter Rescue Team Member, Social Media Coordinator and Educator and is the co-creator and co-manager of the Advanced Medical Provider program. She also sits on the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association’s Medical Advisory Committee. As a Registered Nurse she has volunteered in Haiti, presented regional rounds and has been a conference keynote speaker. She finds the crossover between advanced medical care and Search and Rescue not only interesting and impactful, but full of opportunities for better patient care now and in the future.

When she’s not working, training or rescuing she loves hiking, skiing, reading and making dinosaur noises with her baby daughter.

Presenter

Paul French

Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) – Humanitarian Workforce Project

Paul has just entered his eighth year with the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) and is currently the SARVAC HWF Program Director. Although relatively new to the position, Paul remains excited to develop his skills and knowledge base, which he hopes will assist him in the organization’s continued growth. Prior to his current position, Paul’s passion for SAR prevention saw him manage the development of a number of initiatives, including the renewed Hug-A-Tree and Survive film, the development and expansion of the AdventureSmart Coordinator team, the development of the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App, and the redevelopment of the AdventureSmart website. He has also played a key role in securing funding for the development of additional SAR prevention initiatives, such as creating a communications position, a media advertisement campaign, and developing several e-learning platforms, which will significantly increase AdventureSmart’s online capacity and awareness.

In addition to his career with SARVAC, Paul has been a devoted member of his local GSAR team (Rovers SAR) for almost fifteen years. Since joining the team, he has held many roles, including Vice President, Search Manager, Rope Rescue Instructor, Ice Rescue Instructor, Chief Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Pilot and Water Rescue Instructor. Additionally, Paul has received many certifications through his roles in SAR but his current academic adventure with Royal Roads University, in completing the Masters in Disaster and Emergency Management program, has been a highlight and “life-changing” experience.

Presenter

Karen Didham

GSAR -NACP Pilot Project – Core Training Competency Standards

Karen Didham retired from policing with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) in October 2022. She is an Advanced Drone Pilot and completed Searcher, SAR Manager, GPS, Snowmobile /ATV rider courses. which led her to become the GSAR Coordinator for the RNC. She supervised Traffic Services/ Accident Investigation where she mentored investigators and was involved with training standards for impaired driving and instructed many courses. She joined SARVAC in November 2022 with the GSAR – NACP Pilot Project. Her interests include hiking with her 3 dogs, cottage life, travelling, snowmobiling, riding UTV, and spending time with family and friends.

Presenter

Paul Olshefsky

GSAR – NACP Pilot Project – Core Training Competency Standards

Paul is currently the Project Manager for the SARVAC Accreditation and Certification Pilot Project. 

He had a long career with Parks Canada as an operation Park Warden, specifically in the Visitor Safety Program. The development of the Activity Based Risk Management Program and instructing SAR within the National Recruit Training Program were two of the most interesting aspects of his career. 

Paul has been a member of several interagency National SAR committees, he is currently the Chair of the CSA Technical Review Committee for the GSAR Core Competency and Training Curriculum Standards.

Presenter

Randy Green

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Randy Green is a Marine Planner for MAMKA at Miawpukek First Nation, Conne River, NL. He has been running operations and planning for MAMKA projects for the past 3+ years. MAMKA conducts a variety of marine and ocean stewardship matters and is currently engaged in about 20 marine projects in the Bay d’Espoir area.

In his previous work life Randy worked as a geologist and oilfield engineer all over Canada, the USA and in Mexico, Colombia and Peru.

Our organization is called MAMKA (Mi’kmaq Alsumk Mowimsikik Koqoey Association). It was formed in 2005 and is a non-profit Indigenous organization with 50% Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band (Qalipu) and 50% Miawpukek First Nation (MFN), and operates under the protocols of the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource & Oceans Management (AAROM) program. MAMKA ensures that Indigenous voices are heard in ocean governance.

MAMKA undertook the responsibility of a CCG Auxiliary SAR group in 2018-2019 and currently has 10 active members operating the MAMKA Responder in the Bay d’Espoir area of the South Coast. We are enthusiastic about improving our presence and activities for the CCG going forward.

Presenter

Ron Meyers

Project Manager, CSA Group

Ron is employed as a Project Manager at CSA Group (Canadian Standards Association). For more than 25 years, Ron has managed a range of multi-stakeholder Technical Committees in developing National Occupational / Public Health & Safety Standards. Ron’s current responsibility includes the development of National Standards in areas of emergency / risk management, first responder safety, protective equipment and systems, transportation of dangerous goods, occupational diving and ground search and rescue. Ron’s work includes working with SARVAC in the development of the CSA National standards: Z1620-15: Core Competency Standard for Ground Search and Rescue Operations and CSA Z1625-16: Training Curriculum Standards for Ground Search and Rescue Operations. Ron has also been involved in working with SARVAC regarding the establishment of a national accreditation and certification program to recognize GSAR knowledge and competency skills in Canadian SAR.

Presenter

Richard Smith

Mountain View Search and Rescue Alberta

Richard Smith has an extensive background spanning over 40 years in the fields of Search and Rescue and Emergency Management. During his 23 years with the RCMP across Canada, he was involved in Search and Rescue at all levels both as a practitioner and in the development of policies and training standards in Search and Rescue. Richard spent several years working for Clearwater County Public Safety and Clearwater Emergency Management Agency, as well as being an active member of a Rocky Mountain House Volunteer Search and Rescue, Didsbury Search and Rescue, Sundre Search and Rescue and the Nordegg Volunteer Fire Service. After Clearwater County Richard spent four years working for the US Department of Homeland Security, with the Southeast Florida Domestic Security Task Force as a Federal Homeland Security consultant. From 2012 to 2018 Richard was employed by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General in the field of Security and Intelligence. He teaches in a variety of program areas, including Search and Rescue Management (Urban and Wilderness), Incident Command System, Emergency Management. Richard’s extensive actual experience in searches and rescues missions since 1977, emergency management incidents, combine with his backcountry experience (including solo, unsupported backcountry expeditions in remote areas of Canada) to provide others with an expertise that is practical, comprehensive, and relevant to a wide variety of situations. Richard has co- authored five Search and Rescue books since 1999.

Richard has been the recipient of numerous Provincial and National awards and has been a presenter at many International and National conferences.

Presenter

Dr. Barbara Hewitt

Topic:  When Rescue Becomes Recovery: Identifying Human Remains

Dr. Barbara Hewitt holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology, with a specialty in human biogeochemistry and forensic anthropology. She has worked with law enforcement agencies across Ontario, Manitoba and BC, in addition to working with the International Commission on Missing Persons, and the Department of National Defense in the Casualty Identification Program. She currently teaches in the Anthropology Department at the University of Manitoba, is one of two Assistant National Coordinators of the AdventureSmart program for SARVAC, and volunteers with both Winnipeg Search and Rescue and Habitat for Humanity.

Presenter

Henry Korchalo

Title – Learning from the Past: A homegrown method to increase SAR capacity and training while integrating both Indigenous cultural practices and languages and emerging technologies.

Henry (Hank) Korchalo is a proud Métis man who grew up around Tisdale, Saskatchewan. He spent 4 years in the Canadian military as a radio operator stationed in Jerusalem and the Golan Heights as a peacekeeper and helped decommission Canadian Forces bases in Germany. He also acted as a dispatch driver during the Oka crisis of 1990 and during an official Royal visit. Since he left the military, he has been involved with the Royal Canadian Legion, with Army Cadets, Scouts Canada, and as a GSAR volunteer.

Hank’s dedication to SAR extends back to being a convergent volunteer on the 1994 search that helped spark the creation of SARSAV. Over the past 8 years as a trained searcher and Team Leader, he has delivered AdventureSmart presentations to thousands of young people. His impact has been so great with students that they remember Hank for years after being taught. He was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (SK) for his work as a volunteer in Protective Services.

Hank is currently with Wood River Search and Rescue, and is training to become a Search Manager and Instructor. His three children and one son-in-law have all joined in Hank’s footsteps, and his grandchildren look forward to the day when they can join SAR as well.

Presenter

Tracey Lagassé

Title – Learning from the Past: A homegrown method to increase SAR capacity and training while integrating both Indigenous cultural practices and languages and emerging technologies.

Tracey Lagasse has been a searcher, Team Leader, and executive member of Wood River Search and Rescue since 2000. She has also served as a member of the Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV) Board continuously since 2013, holding the position of Secretary for 5 years. In 2021, Tracey had the honour of both presenting a session and facilitating a discussion forum during the virtual SARscene conference. She is an active AdventureSmart presenter, Master Trainer, and Assistant Regional Coordinator. She has been involved in writing and coordinating activities for three SARNIFs, including taking on the Project Manager role for this one. Her current provincial portfolio addresses issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Outside of SAR and her regular job as a high school science and Home Economics teacher, Tracey has worked as a casual Emergency Medical Responder for 27 years, and is a busy wife and mother of 2 teenage boys. She and her family all share a love for hunting, quadding, and camping. She can often be found bottom bouncing for walleye on Lake Diefenbaker with her husband at the helm.

Presenter

Jack Gallagher

Topic:  Maximum Expected Time to Rescue in the Arctic

Jack Gallagher, a Master Mariner, enjoyed a twenty-two year career with the Canadian Coast Guard gathering a broad range of operational and management experience.  For the past twenty-four years Jack has run Hammurabi Consulting, an international practice based in Halifax.  The spectrum of work has included high level policy and legislation development, risk assessment and mitigation, auditing against international standards, development and delivery of bespoke training and operational level guidance.  Captain Gallagher has completed SAR projects for the International Maritime Organization in Africa and the Caribbean and for various SAR partners and organizations in Canada, Taiwan and United Arab Emirates.

Presenter

Sharon Cheung

Director, National Programs and Community Relations

Topic:  Canada’s First Search and Rescue eLearning Platform Dedicated to Pilots  

Sharon Cheung is the head of programs for Canada’s largest flying community, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association. Sharon oversees the organization’s scholarship, mentorship, community outreach, partnerships and training opportunities. She was recently named Top 40 Under 40 in Aviation by Wings Magazine and is a regular guest speaker for aviation councils, the Government of Canada, search and rescue organizations, drone communities and women’s groups. Prior to her time at COPA, she was a member of NAV CANADA’s stakeholder relations management team where she led the development of communication strategies, was responsible for public participation planning, and coordinated with elected officials, airports, and other industry decision-makers to promote the implementation of air traffic management solutions, including NAV Drone, CFPS, and RNP-AR (EoR) at YYC, a globally recognized initiative.

Presenter

Peter Kikkert

Topic: Maximum Expected Time to Rescue in the Arctic

Dr. Peter Kikkert is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Governance at St. Francis Xavier University. He is the academic lead for the Kitikmeot SAR Project, the Nunavut SAR Project, and the Nunavik Roundtable on SAR, and is a member of the Maximum Expected Time to Rescue research team. He has had the privilege to learn from and work with community responders and Elders on the land, ice, and waters of the Canadian North and Alaska. Kikkert is a searcher with the Strait Area Ground Search and Rescue (SAGSAR) Association in Nova Scotia and serves on its Board of Directors.

Presenter

Mabel Tilley

Topic: HWF Response to NL Wildfires and Hurricane Fiona

Mabel Tilley is currently the Provincial Training Coordinator with Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association (NLSARA). She comes from over 20 years as a volunteer with Central Avalon Ground Search and Rescue Team. Starting as a Searcher and working her way to Search Manager while holding the roll as Team Coordinator for the past 16 years.  She also served as a member of the NLSARA Board for 6 years, holding the position of Secretary. With a passion for training, she is very active as a presenter and Trainer for AdventureSmart programs.

When she is not at work or training with her team you will find her love the outdoors shows as you will find her on a hike with her dog or camping with friends. 

Presenter

Frank Schuurmans

Topic: Utilization of RPAS for SAR, evolution of CASARA RPAS program, challenges, equipment, training etc.

Past President of CASARA (Civil Air Search and Rescue Association) and chair of the CASARA RPAS committee. 

Frank started his flying career at a young age having obtained glider training through the Air Cadet Program then later obtaining a private pilot and commercial pilot’s license with the Regina flying club, 

Frank joined CASARA in 1989 and since that time has held numerous positions within the CASARA organization including Pilot, Navigator, Spotter Provincial and National President.  Frank in addition to his duties a provincial President is still an active CASARA Saskatchewan member having flown numerous CASARA searches for both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the RCMP. Frank currently holds both a fixed wing and Advanced RPAS Pilot ratings.

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Presenter

James Vey

Topic: CASARA – More than just Eyes in the Sky!

Jim’s love of Aviation began as a Glider Pilot, Private Fixed Wing Pilot, and, Glider Instructor, through the Canadian Forces Air Cadets.  Jim was a Flight Service Specialist with Transport Canada at various Atlantic Canada locations and managed various Air Traffic Control facilities on the island and Labrador.  Post retirement Jim has been the Wabush Airport Manager and works on various Aviation projects.  He is a CASARA Member and aircraft owner.  As Labrador West Zone Commander he was involved in many successful searches.  Jim moved to St. John’s Zone in 2007 and now serves on the local Executive.

Presenter

Lawrence Conway

Topic: Humanitarian Workforce Project

Following a 30-year career with the Canadian public service, Lawrence now applies his leadership experience and subject matter expertise in areas such as policy, planning, program development, training, and risk assessments, as well as an extensive network to help organizations achieve the objectives they seek in identifying, mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from large and small emergencies and disasters.

His most recent efforts have been focused on helping to leverage the unique capabilities that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offer in emergency management and disaster response and resilience.

In his official role, Lawrence approximately 15 years invested in developing policy and supporting Emergency Management and Search and Rescue programs, including at the executive level with the Canadian Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. He provided policy leadership in the creation of Canada’s National Disaster Mitigation Program; contributed to the development of the Emergency Management Framework for Canada (V2), led Canada’s Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Program and coordinated Canada’s operational relationship with the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG); and served as the Emergency Management Advisor to the Humanitarian Studies Program at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia.

Lawrence offers the experience of nearly 20 years as a Ground Search and Rescue volunteer both in the field and in Incident Command, in addition to leading the medical specialty team and serving as a President of SAR Global 1.

While professionally leading a team of consultants deployed in support to public, private and NGO sector clients, Lawrence continues to be actively engaged as a volunteer with his local Search and Rescue volunteer organization. During the course of a single day he can be seen in a suit around a boardroom table in the morning yet wearing tactical gear in the woods in the afternoon.

Presenter

Louise Bradley C.M., O.N.L.

Topic: Soul Searching – Mental Wellness in the SAR community

Louise Bradley is a mental health nurse and an accomplished senior health executive, with significant experience in community, corrections, forensic, and hospital settings, including as the Senior Operating Officer at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, and as the Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Regional Mental Health Program.

In 2009, Ms. Bradley joined the Mental Health Commission of Canada, where she led the development of Canada’s first Mental Health Strategy, the creation of the world’s first National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, and groundbreaking research demonstration projects on a housing first approach to mental health, e-mental health, and suicide prevention. Ms. Bradley retired from the Commission as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2021.

Since her retirement, Ms. Bradley has served on the Public Inquiry Respecting Ground Search and Rescue for Lost and Missing Persons in Newfoundland and Labrador, and serves on several Boards nationally and locally such as the St. John’s International Airport Authority and the Gathering Place.

Ms. Bradley is a member of the Orders of Canada as well as the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, and  the recipient of 4 honorary degrees. She is proud to call St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador her home.

Presenter

Roger Goobie

Topic: Fire and Hurricane – Bringing Teams Together

Roger joined Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association (NLSARA) as Executive Director in May of 2022. Although new to this position, Roger is no stranger to NLSARA, he has been a volunteer with the association since its inception in 1996 holding various roles of director, secretary and treasurer.

In addition to his career with NLSARA, Roger is a volunteer member of Exploits Srearch and Rescue team in Central NL for the past 35 years, and has held the position of coordinator for past 27 years. He is a member of the BOOST Helicopter team, Rope Rescue Team, Ice Rescue Team and a Search Manager.

During his spare time, Roger enjoys exploring the back country with his wife, hiking, ATVing, snowmobiling and enjoying time at their cabin.

Presenter

Dr. Antonio Miguel-Cruz

Topic: Managing Risks of Going Missing among Persons Living with Dementia by Building Capacities of SAR Personnel, First Responders, and Communities

Antonio Miguel Cruz earned a BSc (Nuclear Engineering) degree at Nuclear Science Institute, Habana, Cuba, and MSc (Bioengineering) and PhD (Bioengineering) degrees at the Technological University, Habana, Cuba. His academic career began at the Technological University, Faculty of Electrical Engineering where he was Associate Professor and chair of the Bioengineering Centre. He also served as Full Professor and the Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Program, Universidad del Rosario, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bogotá, Colombia. Currently, he is an Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, and a clinical researcher at Glenrose Rehabilitation Research, Innovation & Technology (GRRIT). He is an adjunct Associate professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Miguel Cruz research is focused on understanding how technologies used in community and healthcare settings can foster healthy aging and, ultimately, the wellbeing of older adults and their caregivers.

Presenter

Dr. Ron Pelot

Topic: Maximum Expected Time to Rescue in the Arctic

Dr. Ronald Pelot is a Professor of Industrial Engineering at Dalhousie University. He has over 25 years’ experience developing models for maritime SAR, shipping traffic analyses, and environmental impacts of shipping.  Notable projects related to SAR include the current study on “Maximum Expected Time to Rescue (METR)” to determine likely rescue duration in the Canadian Arctic as a function of incident location, vessel complement. and time of year.

Lifeboat station location models have been developed to show trade-offs in multiple factors such as coverage, expected response times, and workload balance between stations.  CCG SAR vessel positioning models provide insights on the implications of allocating ships to certain areas at certain times for overall regional coverage. Working with SAR professionals to assist with longer term planning is very rewarding and valuable work.