About Disaster Mitigation

Disaster mitigation measures can reduce or eliminate the impacts and risks of hazards through proactive measures taken before an emergency or disaster occurs.

On this page

• All-hazards approach
• Types of disaster mitigation
• Canada's National Disaster Mitigation Strategy
• Canada's Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
• National Disaster Mitigation Program

All-hazards approach

An all-hazards approach to emergency management means planning for all kinds of emergencies. It's important to look at all potential risks and impacts for both natural and human-induced events. This approach helps individuals, communities, and governments to be more resilient against any emergency event.

Types of disaster mitigation

Disaster mitigation measures are generally classified as either structural or non-structural, and the two approaches complement one another.

• Structural measures involve physical constructions designed to reduce risk, such as flood dikes or nature-based solutions like wetlands.
• Non-structural measures focus on policies, planning, and assessments and tools, that guide decision-making and preparedness, including land-use zoning, and emergency preparedness.

Examples of mitigation measures include:

• Hazard and risk assessment
• Adoption of building codes
• Retrofitting structures
• Insurance programs
• Evacuation planning

Canada's National Disaster Mitigation Strategy

Federal, provincial and territorial strategy to support disaster mitigation in Canada. The strategy aims to build resilient, sustainable communities by integrating mitigation into emergency management, supported by shared governance, accountability, and long-term implementation efforts.

Canada's Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

A national, multi-stakeholder view to reducing disaster risk that supports Canada's commitments under the UN Sendai Framework by promoting collaboration, resilience-building, and the integration of disaster risk reduction into policies and practices across the country.

National Disaster Mitigation Program

Funding program established to reduce the impacts of natural hazards causing disasters, particularly floods, by funding risk assessments, flood mapping, mitigation planning, and small-scale projects in partnership with provinces and territories.

Date modified:

2026-04-27