In March 2024, the Alberta Human Right Commission put together an Evacuation Information Support Package for evacuees, service providers, and municipalities with information on human rights protections and obligations and about who individuals can reach out to if they experience discrimination during an evacuation. The package can be requested by emailing: educationcommunityservices@gov.ab.ca
Below are the main points from this package as they relate to the delivery of ESS.
Rights of Evacuees
“The Alberta Human Rights Act recognizes that all persons are equal in dignity, rights, and responsibilities when it comes to the provision of public services.”
Dignity and Respect Protection from harassment: “Harassment occurs when someone is subjected to unwelcome verbal or physical conduct.”
Safety, security, and privacy
Support for basic needs public service providers have a duty to accommodate
Information
Responsibilities of Evacuees
Prepare for possible evacuations. See Government of Alberta Emergency Preparedness20 resources for more information on personal preparedness.
“Persons who require accommodation must also help, if they can, to facilitate the accommodation process.”
Treat other evacuees and the host community with dignity and respect
Respect the rights and privacy of other evacuees and the host community
Cooperate with ESS providers and comply with directions
Abide by all rules of the ESS facility(ies) and host community. The facility operator may enforce rules following their standard procedures, up to and including evicting evacuees.
Pay for any damages made by themselves, their household members, or companion animals.
