Date: Mon, March 23, 2026
Time: 08:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: 9839-103 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB (the Grande Prairie Public Library)
Room: Rotary Community Room
Provider: Hosted by the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) and instructed by Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).

Alberta’s Emergency Management Act requires key emergency management functions from each community including the appointment of a Director of Emergency Management (DEM) to lead its emergency management activities.

This course is designed to provide incoming DEMs with the information they need to perform their duties effectively. A combination of lecture materials, activities, and assessment are included to prepare you to direct effective emergency management in your community.

Food: Lunch, coffee and water will be provided.

Outside agencies/municipalities: Course is open to emergency management partners, but please note that priority is given to GPREP members in the event course registration exceeds the amount of seats. Course confirmation for partners will be sent via email four weeks before course date.

Course prerequisites

Required/Mandatory - Basic Emergency Management (BEM) - online course with AEMA. A copy of your certificate is required to be sent to gprepgm@cityofpg.com.
Recommended - Incident Command System 100 (ICS 100) - online course through AEMA or some municipal training platforms.

Course learning objectives

Discuss the emergency management framework within Alberta.
Describe the DEM position in relation to governing legislation.
Compare and contrast different leadership styles and how they may apply to a DEM.
Evaluate your community’s emergency plans and programs.
Explain the tasks and procedures of the director of emergency operations for your community’s emergency management agency.
Summarize the coordination of emergency resources and services used in an emergency.
Identify other possible duties for a DEM that could be required by the local authority.
Discuss the mental and emotional impacts of times of stress and uncertainty.

Target audience

Directors of Emergency Management (DEM)
Deputy Directors of Emergency Management (DDEM)
Local authority staff whose responsibilities include or may include the DDEM or DEM role

Director of Emergency Management (DEM) Course