The Ontario government has named Labatt Breweries of Canada as a private-sector partner in Ontario Corps, a provincial program that mobilizes volunteers and resources during emergencies.
The partnership allows the province to draw on Labatt’s supplies, facilities and staff during wildland fires, floods and other disasters. The move expands the network of organizations that can respond quickly when communities are hit by emergencies.
“Our government is thrilled to welcome Labatt as one of the first private-sector organizations to become an Ontario Corps partner,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “By leveraging Labatt’s supplies, personnel and expertise, we will be well equipped to keep Ontario safe, practiced and prepared for whatever comes our way.”
What Labatt can provide
Under the agreement, Labatt could be called on to donate and deploy:
- Clean drinking water: Cans of water for affected communities
- Logistics support: Trucks, drivers, forklifts and pallets
- Facilities: Refrigeration and access to large facilities
- Packaging supplies: Cardboard boxes
- Production capacity: Ability to retool machines to produce hand sanitizer and other essentials
Labatt’s Disaster Relief Program, launched in 2012, provides safe drinking water to communities during disasters. Since its inception, the company has donated more than one million cans of water across Canada.
In July 2025, Labatt donated 40,000 cans of water to Pikangikum First Nation during a wildland fire that burned 33,739 hectares and forced about 2,000 residents from their homes.
“At Labatt, supporting the communities where we operate has been a tradition for 178 years. Through our longstanding Disaster Relief Program, where we pause brewing beer to can water, we’ve seen firsthand how safe drinking water and essential supplies can make a difference during a crisis. Labatt’s partnership with Ontario Corps strengthens our ability to respond when Ontarians need it most,” said Jeff Ryan, vice-president of corporate affairs at Labatt Breweries of Canada.
About Ontario Corps
Ontario Corps was created in 2024 to build a provincewide network of skilled professionals and trained volunteers who can be mobilized during emergencies. The program deploys equipment and resources such as debris removal tools, machinery, flood barriers and drones.
The province said Ontario Corps was deployed several times in 2025, including during a wildland fire response and a spring ice storm.
The government is also building a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters, which will serve as the 24/7 command centre for Ontario Corps. The facility will house technology and operations needed to coordinate emergency response across the province.
People from all professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply as volunteers. Participants receive initial training and are matched with partner organizations based on their skills, interests and availability.
