The idea for a formal organization like ACERT first started floating around at the Provincial Emergency First Response Team Conference at Lakehead University in February of 1996.

One month later, on the weekend of March 29 – 31, 1996, representatives from Lakehead University, Trent University, McMaster University, University of Guelph, University of Western Ontario, Wilfred Laurier University, and York University travelled to the University of Western Ontario to attend the first-ever meeting of the Association of Student Emergency Response Teams of Canada (as we were then called).  Delegates discussed our mission statement, structure, membership, finances, and a host office. 

Much has changed in the 25+ years since that fateful weekend: the Provincial Emergency First Response Team Conference is now called the National Conference of Campus Emergency Responders, and we no longer have to worry about the availability of a fax machine or landline.  Importantly, the initial spark from then has grown into a brilliant flame reflected in the passion and dedication of the thousands of students who have volunteered over the years.