Bordering on Disaster (BOD) Conference

Breakout Session
October 14  |  1:00 to 2:15 p.m.

Session: Sandbags, Sirens and Second-Guessing: What Really Happens to Teams Under Pressure

Returning to the Bordering on Disaster Conference stage after delivering well-received and highly rated session in 2023, Jackson Heraid brings more than 20 years of experience in emergency services, disaster response, crisis intervention and occupational mental health. His work spans frontline emergency operations, leadership, provincial crisis response, and post-secondary instruction, with a focus on the operational and psychological factors that influence responder performance and resilience.

Disasters place extraordinary demands on responders, but whether those demands build resilience or lead to lasting psychological injury often depends on the systems supporting the response. Rather than creating vulnerabilities, disasters frequently expose and amplify existing gaps in leadership, communication, logistics, role clarity, trust and operational support.

Drawing on real-world emergency and disaster examples, Jackson explores how preventable breakdowns within a response can create lasting strain for responders, even when the hazard itself is unavoidable. He demonstrates why mental health and behavioural considerations should be treated as core operational variables that directly influence performance, coordination, decision-making, and recovery—not as afterthoughts once the crisis has passed.

Attendees will leave with practical strategies for integrating psychological and behavioural considerations into emergency planning and response from the outset, helping build stronger, more resilient teams before the next disaster occurs.

                                                                   
Breakout Session
October 14  |  1:00 to 2:15 p.m.

Session: Is Regionalization the Right Fit for Our Community? Strategic Options for Modern Emergency Management

As communities face increasingly complex emergencies, municipalities are exploring new ways to strengthen preparedness, response and resilience through collaboration.
 
In this session, participants will examine how regional approaches to emergency management can help communities build capacity while balancing local needs and priorities.
 
Joining the 2026 conference are Bruno Cornejo, Senior Technical Advisor with Trace Associates' Organizational Resilience Team, who brings more than 23 years of experience in emergency management, business continuity, risk assessment and Incident Command System training, and Nicole Koloff, Project Manager, Supervisor and Associate with Trace Associates, whose 13 years of experience focuses on helping organizations across Canada strengthen emergency preparedness, business continuity and operational resilience through planning, training and exercises.
 
Together, Bruno and Nicole will explore the spectrum of regional emergency management models, from informal partnerships to formal governance structures, highlighting the benefits, trade-offs and real-world lessons that can help municipalities determine the approach that best fits their unique risks, resources and local context.

                                                                         
Breakout Session
October 14  |  2:15 to 3:30 p.m.

Session: Municipal Emergency Response to Industrial Facilities: A Collaborative Approach to Industrial Incident Management

As industrial facilities continue to expand near communities, municipalities face new opportunities alongside increasingly complex emergency response challenges. This presentation explores how municipal and industrial responders can work together to prepare for high-risk incidents through effective planning, unified command, joint training and strong interoperable communications. Attendees will gain practical insights and lessons learned to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve multi-agency coordination, and build more resilient communities.

                                                                        
Breakout Session
October 14  |  2:15 to 3:30 p.m.

Session: Ready to Host: Strengthening First Nation Wildfire Evacuation Preparedness

Wildfires are becoming more frequent, with smoke hours, the number of fires, area burned and evacuee counts continuing to reach record levels. Yet these increasingly predictable events are often still treated as unexpected emergencies.

Alex Post is the Emergency Management Specialist with the Saskatoon Tribal Council, where he supports seven member First Nations in the Treaty 6 area. He holds a degree in Disaster & Emergency Management from York University, is an Associate Business Continuity Professional and an Incident Command System (ICS) instructor. Known for his practical, community-focused approach, Alex has developed a series of Quick Reference Guides tailored to specific communities and emergency situations, providing clear, actionable resources that help communities strengthen their preparedness and response capabilities.

This presentation explores why it's time to shift from a reactive approach to one focused on preparedness and introduces Post's Evacuee Hosting Quick Reference Guide for First Nation Communities. Designed as an easy-to-use resource, the guide helps First Nations prepare to host evacuees by creating safe, welcoming, healthy and culturally informed spaces.

                                                                        
Keynote Session
October 15 | 2:30 to 3:45 pm


Session: From Chaos to Connection: Lessons from the Lapu-Lapu Festival Mass Casualty Response

Some events change a community forever; and the lessons they leave behind can transform how we prepare for the future.

The 2026 Bordering on Disaster Conference is proud to welcome Inspector Ryan Smith as a keynote speaker on October 15.

Inspector Smith leads the Major Crime Enforcement Unit and previously served in the Vancouver Police Department's Major Crime Section, where he provided executive leadership during some of British Columbia's most complex investigations and critical incidents; including the Lapu-Lapu Festival mass casualty event in April 2025, which claimed the lives of 11 people and left many others with life-altering injuries.

In the aftermath of a mass casualty incident, success is measured by more than emergency response. It depends on effective leadership, coordinated partnerships, compassionate victim support, and the ability for agencies to work together under extraordinary pressure.

As the lead for the investigative and victim management response during the event, Inspector Smith coordinated municipal, provincial and national resources while implementing a victim-centred approach focused on family liaison, communication, victim identification and long-term recovery.

During this powerful keynote, attendees will gain practical, real-world insights into:

• The Vancouver Police Department's response to the incident.
• Why establishing an immediate Reception Centre is critical to police operations and investigations.
• Navigating information sharing between police and health-care partners to identify victims and reunite families.
• The role of the Friends and Family Assistance Center (FFAC) in supporting victims, families and community recovery.

Whether you're an emergency manager, first responder, law enforcement professional, health-care leader, government official, or community partner, this session will provide valuable lessons you can apply to strengthen preparedness, improve interagency collaboration, and enhance support for victims and families during complex emergencies.

Recognized internationally for his expertise in major case management and mass casualty response, Inspector Smith has delivered advanced investigative and critical incident training across Canada and around the world. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of Canada's leading experts in major incident response. Join us at the 2026 Bordering on Disaster Conference for a keynote that will challenge perspectives, inspire collaboration, and leave you better prepared for the emergencies of tomorrow.