Partnership with the Province
The partnership between Radio Amateurs of Canada and the Ontario government focuses on developing the Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) in Ontario. This service is designed to provide reliable communication during emergencies, leveraging the expertise of skilled professionals and highly trained volunteers.
The ACS operates as part of a province-wide network that can be mobilized quickly to support communities affected by emergencies. While many struggle with the changes, RAC wants to reassure our members that local community-based teams have been outlined in our plan. Currently, these plans are not carved in stone and as we move forward with training and building relationships with Ontario partners, RAC has had to adapt and even, at times, slow down and
reassess key elements to ensure the program will not only meet the current requirements, but have a strong enough foundation to grow into a national system to support communities across Canada.
There are over 440 communities in Ontario, each with its own jurisdictional elements that cannot be easily addressed with a single plan. RAC has known that this program would not be an easy venture; however, the ongoing support from communities, non-governmental organizations (NGO) groups and the provincial government has shown that the efforts this year have been recognized by many and supported in ways that have even surprised RAC.
RAC has expressed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response and other nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners to enhance emergency readiness and response capacity across Ontario.
The collaboration between Ontario Corps, Radio Amateurs of Canada and the Government of Ontario has resulted in increased funding, improved emergency preparedness and enhanced volunteer recruitment and training. The ACS initiative is central to these efforts, ensuring that Ontario communities are better prepared to respond to emergencies with reliable communications and skilled support. Ongoing meetings, events and promotions have strengthened the partnership and raised awareness of the importance of Amateur Radio in emergency response.
History
ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) was created by the ARRL in 1935. ARES was subsequently embraced by Radio Amateurs in Canada first under sponsorship by the Canadian Radio Relay League (CRRL) and then by the Radio Amateurs of Canada Inc. (when that body was created out of the CRRL and the Canadian Amateur Radio Federation in 1993).
In 1980, Radio Amateurs in Canada agreed to provide communications for the Canadian Red Cross. This agreement was put in place following successful cooperation during the Mississauga train derailment and evacuation.
ARES and the National Traffic System (NTS), which was part of the CRRL, now operate under the auspices of RAC's Field Services Organization. In fact, ARES operates under the guidance of RAC using a structure parallel to that used in the US. ARES management and ARES emergency coordinators (EC) must be RAC members.
Radio amateurs volunteer their time, expertise and equipment by registering as members of the ARES and providing communications when needed during time of disaster or emergency. There are now more than 70,000 ARES members throughout North America.
In 2025/2026 the former ARES program under RAC took a new direction, becoming the Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS or AUXCOMM).
Participate
We're called "amateurs" because we are not paid. Our services are provided at no charge. Like amateur sports, we do it for the love of it! We may be called "amateurs," but our communications services are professional.
Taking part in the ACS program:
• Having a genuine desire to assist your Community
• Attending ACS meetings
• Participating in Community service events and simulated exercises
• Checking into nets
• Getting involved in ACS training and help training others