People and communities in British Columbia will be better prepared for emergencies and disasters under the most comprehensive and progressive emergency management framework in Canada with the introduction of the emergency and disaster management act, and the launch of an expert task force on emergencies.

Building on ongoing work with local communities to prepare for extreme temperatures, new funding will help assess and plan for the risks of extreme heat and cold that B.C. has been experiencing due to climate change.

To ensure that the life-saving work of Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) groups and their volunteers are there when people need help in the backcountry, the Province is providing nearly $6 million in annual funding.

People in B.C., especially those most at risk of health impacts from extreme heat emergencies, will be better protected as the Province expands access to air conditioners for people who are medically vulnerable and have low incomes.

With unseasonably hot weather forecast for most parts of British Columbia this weekend and into next week, people are encouraged to stay informed about potential risks.

As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, a nationwide test of Canada’s emergency alerting system will take place at 1:55 p.m. (Pacific time) on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

People and communities along the Fraser River will be better protected from flooding with dike improvements, and enhanced flood-mitigation and watershed-restoration projects.