Our Expertise
The PARATUS Group has a lengthy record of research, and has moved emergency and disaster management programs from infancy into mature programs. PARATUS has 
developed systems and processes to manage responses to diverse events – 9/11, SARS, the 2003 Blackout and a long-term recovery plan for post-tsunami Sri Lanka – by using the latest thinking on Incident Command Systems.
PARATUS has also provided subject matter expert services on the planning assumptions for a pandemic response to the City of Calgary, the Alberta Government, the Alberta Cancer Board, the Canadian Red Cross and the Ontario Hospital Association.
We have reviewed, developed and tested crisis management and business continuity management consulting services to the Alberta Cancer Board, ATCO Power Canada Ltd, Sovereign General Insurance Corporation, ENCANA Energy, Trans-Canada Pipelines and Husky Oil.
We have extensive experience in the provision of emergency social services in time of disaster; in the establishment of strategies throughout an emergency and during recovery (arguably the least planned for and most difficult phase of any response); and in maintaining consistent communication, internally and externally, that will protect your organization's image and help create a safer environment.
Our approach involves working with you to develop innovative, flexible, customized strategies to what are often complex, sometimes overwhelming, problems. PARATUS can provide continued support in a manner tailored to suit the culture and mandate of your organization, but our ultimate goal is to strengthen your organization so that you no longer require our services.
Steve Armstrong has been providing expert counsel and practical advice to a wide range of clients and customers for two decades. His career as a professional disaster and emergency manager, a public administrator and a soldier has honed the insight and skill required to meet his clients' strategic objectives.
Steve is one of Canada’s top disaster experts in all phases of a disaster-preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. He has planned and managed a wide range of large-scale emergency operations responses, including:
- As the Red Cross Operations Director for the Canadian response to the 2004 Asian tsunami, SARS, 9/11, the 2003 Blackout and other responses;
- As an Operations Officer with the Canadian Army, developing aide-de-civil power response plans and training, then leading soldiers in military/civilian cooperative operations;
- As an expert working with U.S. authorities in Weapons of Mass Destruction/ Terrorism (WMD/T) training, planning & exercising, including Top Officials Exercises. Steve is considered a subject matter expert on the planning assumptions for pandemic and for WMD/T responses, and regularly advises authorities around the world.
Following the 2003 BC Wildfires and the 2004 Peterborough Floods, he managed and administered disaster recovery programs as Red Cross provided assistance to those who lost their homes and livelihoods. He has a solid understanding of how to deliver recovery assistance, and of the strengths and weaknesses of current disaster financial assistance programs across Canada.
Steve is a strong proponent of forward-thinking strategies for business continuity during disaster. This includes plan development, coordination, evaluation, and maintenance. He works with senior management to keep the planning process in perspective and to insure participation by everyone within the organization.
Steve has a strong record in strategic and fiscal planning, and is understands that careful evaluation, assessment, analysis, and continuous improvement are crucial for every plan. While he is open to variety of evaluation models, he emphasizes that the tools must be effective, efficient and contribute to quality assurance and effective management.
Contact
PARATUS Group
Telephone: (403) 236-0205 Ext: 2