Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, has released the following statement regarding the assistance provided by the Canadian Armed Forces during this year’s wildfire season:

Drought conditions and aggressive fire behaviour have contributed to this year’s extreme wildfire season.

Communities throughout the province are restoring watersheds and wetlands to protect aquatic ecosystems and promote healthier environments for British Columbians and wildlife.

Three new projects, in partnership with coastal Indigenous Nations, will target marine debris along B.C.’s shoreline, including more remote areas in Haida Gwaii and the Discovery Islands.  

British Columbia’s network of public electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations is expanding with the opening of six new stations in the Capital Regional District, making it easier for people travelling highways 1 and 17 to charge up their EVs.

With much of British Columbia under a heat warning and experiencing high or extreme wildfire risks, the B.C. government is urging travellers and residents to be extremely cautious over the B.C. Day long weekend.

Whatever your activities this summer, remember wildfire crews are working in the bush.

People living in Victoria, Saanich and Oak Bay will benefit from the Province’s transformation of everyday health care for people, with the establishment of four primary care networks (PCN) and the province’s largest urgent and primary care centre (UPCC).