The June 23, 2012 shopping mall collapse in Elliot Lake, Ontario has highlighted serious deficiencies in emergency response systems in the province of Ontario, if not across Canada. 

The rescue operation has come under bewildered and heavy criticism for failing to immediately send heavy equipment that could assist in freeing those trapped in the rubble and calling off rescue efforts 50 hours following the accident. The rescue was ordered to resume following an extraordinary intervention by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.