The SAR NIF program was established by the federal government in 1988 and is managed and coordinated by the national Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS). This program is an arrangement with federal search and rescue departments, managing departments and agencies, and the provinces/territories to encourage them to undertake projects that support the objectives of the National Search and Rescue Program.

Regional Search and Rescue organizations are essential in the delivery of search and rescue activities across the country.

To provide funding to these organizations, the NSS will enter into contribution agreements directly with a provincial/territorial government should a proposal be approved. The Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) is the representative for British Columbia