Create an emergency response plan that considers the needs of newcomers and English language learners.
See below on this page for details about how to complete this commitment.
⚠️ Instructions To Complete This Commitment:
Commitment: Create an emergency response plan that considers the needs of newcomers and English language learners.
Please complete all of the below requirements.
Part 1: Complete the provided checklist to ensure your Emergency Response Plan considers the needs of newcomers and English language learners.
Complete the provided Checklist: Multilingual & Multicultural Emergency Response Planning (PDF)
Part 2: Submit notes about changes you made to your Emergency Response Plan as a result of completing the checklist.
You may choose to attach a copy of your Emergency Response Plan.
Returning Signatories who previously completed this commitment:
Required: Add a column to the checklist for “Annual Evaluation”
Emergency preparedness is an essential annual commitment for businesses. To ensure all employees understand and practice their roles in an emergency—as well as their personal preparedness—businesses must complete this requirement each year. While this initiative prioritizes multilingual and multicultural accessibility, annual participation benefits all employees by reinforcing critical safety protocols.
Submit Evidence When You have Completed This Commitment
Evidence for this commitment should include:
Your completed Checklist: Multilingual & Multicultural Emergency Response Planning (PDF)
Your notes about changes you made to your Emergency Response Plan
Once you have completed each of the above requirements, upload your evidence using our online form as soon as possible. This allows time for review and feedback.
Evidence may be in the form of a document, email, newsletter, meeting minutes, social media post, etc.
Deadline to submit all evidence for the 2025 WIC: 3PM, Monday, December 1st, 2025.
⏰ Key Dates:
Important dates to remember:
December 1st, 2025: Deadline to complete the Checklist. We strongly encourage employers to implement ahead of 2025 onboarding season (May). These actions taken ahead of wildfire season are critical in supporting preparedness.
By December 1st, 2025: Deadline to complete 2025 WIC commitments and submit all evidence.
✅ Why This Commitment Is Important:
During an emergency, it is critical that all of your team members know how to stay safe. If you offer staff housing, residents there also need timely and accurate information.
Your team members will have a range of comfort levels, access to, and expectations around key messages, technologies, and procedures. A ‘one size fits all’ approach to communication during an emergency will not meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
While there are many factors to consider when developing a robust Emergency Response Plan, this commitment asks you to start by considering the specific needs of the more than 1 in 4 Bow Valley residents who were born outside of Canada, as well as those whose first language is not English.
Intended Outcomes:
Improved safety for all staff and residents
Emergency plans that consider language and cultural differences help ensure everyone understands how to respond quickly and safely.Clearer communication during emergencies
Using plain language, visuals, and multilingual resources reduces confusion and supports better decision-making during critical events.More inclusive and prepared workplace culture
Planning for diverse needs strengthens trust, shows care for all team members, and helps meet legal and moral responsibilities during emergencies.
📝 Resources:
Checklist: Multilingual & Multicultural Emergency Response Planning (PDF) - required to complete Part 1 of this commitment
Checklist: Inclusive Emergency Response - Emergency Communication Translations
Recorded Workshop: Emergency Preparedness in a Multilingual and Multicultural Workplace | Tools and Insights
Presented by Mohammed Idriss (He/Him), Manager, Brooks & County Immigration Services, this presentation provides insights informed by one of the largest COVID-19 outbreaks connected to workplaces. The lessons learnt from this experience will provide practical tools for other employers to prepare for the next emergency.Blog Post: How to Reach English Language Learners in Your Workplace
Blog Post: How Effective is Your Contact Plan
Blog Post: Multilingual Mass Text Messaging Tool
📧 Contact:
Supporting Agency
For questions and support to complete this commitment, please contact:
2025 WIC Commitments
Bronze Commitments
(Minimum Required)