1. Crisis Communications Plan
2017

2. Purpose and Need
Authority and Responsibility
Crisis Communications Team
Goals and Objectives
Reasons for Plan
Initiation of Plan
Initial Response
Information Distribution Methods
Prepared messages

3. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Crisis Plan Identify crisis
Contact Crisis Communications team
Step 1
Develop clear, concise, unified message and message delivery
Protect integrity of Air Cadet League by providing reasonable media access
Step 2
Act proactively to head off or counteract any misinformation or misperceptions regarding incident
Step 3

4. Purpose and Need
to ensure a rapid and effective response during an emergency
Purpose is to avoid any damage to the organization’s reputation if mishandled

5. Authority and Responsibility
National office
Provincial/territorial communications team
Will provide timely information, guidance, advice and support regarding internal and external communications and messaging strategies during emergency or crisis situations
Will report to our National Office any crisis within their jurisdiction
Will coordinate with their Regional Public Affairs officer
Will follow direction of National Office and RCSU

6. Crisis Communications Team
National Office:
Executive Director and National President who will communicate with the Communications Officer and Communications Committee Chairman and then to our members.
Provincial/Territory:
Provincial Chairman, Communications Director, Executive Director
RCSU:
Public Affairs Officer

7. Goals and Objectives
Develop clear, concise, unified messages and message delivery strategies during a crisis
Provide timely, accurate and updated information to leadership, members, stakeholders, the news media and the public
Protect the reputation and integrity of the Air Cadet League/National CJCR Supp0rt Group by providing reasonable media access and by releasing clear, straightforward and honest information in accordance with our policies
Act proactively to head off or counteract any misinformation or misperceptions regarding the League and the event or incident

8. Reasons for Plan
The team can be activated any time it is perceived that a situation or incident has occurred or is developing involving the League or Squadrons which has the potential to attract the unplanned attention of the media or the public, especially when it may cast the League in an unfavorable light if not handled in a timely, honest and forthright manner.

9. Examples:
Significant regional or province/territory wide emergency or natural disaster
Serious injury to an Air Cadet, Officer or League member which requires admission to a medical facility
A motor vehicle accident involving a serious or fatal injury
An accident involving an aircraft
A member of the League, CIC or an Air Cadet who is arrested, incarcerated or charged with a serious crime

10. Initiation of the Plan
Any member can initiate the process by contacting the League Communications Team
The team shall be considered to have been activated once a team member has had a chance to speak in person, by phone or by other means, with the requesting party or when a team member has affirmatively responded to a text message or from the requesting party

11. Initial Response
Upon activation, the requesting party will immediately provide a succinct briefing of the incident or event to the Crisis Communications Team.
Methods other than by text or are preferred.
The requesting party will be advised NOT to share information with others without further consultation with the Crisis Communications Team or a member of RCSU.
The Crisis Communications Team will make arrangements for an notify all members and any other appropriate individuals

12. Information Distribution Methods
Website:
Facebook:
@Air Cadet League of Canada
Twitter:
Air Cadet Air Cadet League

13. RCSU CONTACTS: ATLANTIC CANADA
Captain Liam Mather, Public Affairs Officer, Bus: / CSN , Cell: ,
Lieutenant (Navy) John Brannen, New Media and Production Officer, Bus: / CSN ,
QUEBEC
Captain Lissa Rivet, Unit Public Affairs Representative, Bus: p / CSN: ,
Lieutenant (Navy) Denis Poisson, New Media and Production Officer, Bus: p / CSN: ,
ONTARIO
Captain Nicole McKay, Public Affairs Officer, Bus: / CSN , Cell: ,
Captain Heather Lawrence, New Media and Production Officer, Bus: / CSN ,
PRAIRIES AND NORTHERN TERRITORIES
Captain Amber Lawson, Unit Public Affairs Representative, Bus: x4937 / CSN: , Cell: / (PERS),
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Captain Cheryl Major, Public Affairs Officer, Bus: / CSN: , Cell: ,
Captain Peter Fuerbringer, Public Affairs Officer – New Media and Production, Cell: ,

14. PREPARED MESSAGES Loss or Aircraft Incident Talking Points:
Type of aircraft and location of incident
Number of crew and passengers on aircraft and their condition
Activity aircraft was engaged in
Cause is under investigation
More information will be given as it develops
Information about the Air Cadet League and its Mission
If injuries or deaths caused, refer to these speaking points

15. News Release Body Text
On [DATE] an Air Cadet League aircraft was involved in an accident while participating in [ACTIVITY]. The crew, including [Officers and Air Cadets], [WERE NOT INJURED/WERE INJURED AND TREATED/WERE KILLED] in the incident.
The cause of the accident is under investigation and the League and National CJCR Support Group will continue to assist local authorities and the National Transportation Safety Board. [IF INJURED/DECEASED].
Information about the members [INJURED AND/OR KILLED] is being withheld [DUE TO PRIVACY CONCERNS AND/OR FAMILY NOTIFICATION].
As safety is the top priority of the Air Cadet League, [THE DAMAGED AIRCRAFT IS GROUNDED/FLIGHT OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED/ALL AIRCRAFT ARE BEING INSPECTED]. Further information will be released as soon as it is available.