Policy Recommendations for Reducing Vulnerability to Disasters in Canada: Perspectives From Practitioners in Waterloo Region, Ontario

Abstract

As the costs associated with hazardous events continues to rise, many researchers and practitioners argue that the social, economic, and human losses attributed to these events can be significantly reduced through a variety of risk reduction and preparedness programs, as well as through a greater understanding of the social, economic, and political processes that work to create vulnerability. This paper explores various approaches to understanding vulnerability and the underlying processes affecting vulnerability levels. Empirical research was conducted in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada with key informants (n = 25) working in emergency preparedness/response or with community organizations. The research revealed at least four themes that would be useful for policies and programs designed to reduce vulnerability to disasters. Although the research was carried out in a Canadian context, the paper examines how these themes might relate more generally to underlying processes of vulnerability discussed in the literature.