Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto has issued the following statement to the volunteers of British Columbia:

As more than a hundred delegates gather in Victoria to put the final touches on the Government of B.C.’s $1.2-million earthquake exercise taking place in Port Alberni on June 7-10, 2016, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto explained the relevance of B.C.’s first ever, full-scale, earthquake exercise to emergency response throughout the entire provincial landscape.

March long weekend is a popular time for British Columbians to spend outdoors with friends and family, exploring the vast opportunities that exist in B.C.’s backcountry and trails. A new social media campaign is focused on helping families be fully informed, and prepared for potential risks, so they have fun and return home safely.

The Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Province of British Columbia have supported the establishment of a new regional emergency management partnership that will enhance emergency management activity across the Capital Region.

An investment of $5-million to Ocean Networks Canada aims to increase the development and use of earthquake early warning systems in B.C. that could enhance life safety for British Columbians living in areas of the province with seismic risk.

“This weekend has brought more tragedy to our mountains because of avalanches. Our hearts break for the families of those who have lost loved ones to B.C.’s backcountry this season.

New legislation was tabled to modernize the regulatory framework for fire safety in British Columbia.

The opportunity to provide input into the future of the Emergency Program Act (EPA) has been extended until April 22, 2016, to allow more time for feedback.

British Columbians are invited to provide input into the future of the Emergency Program Act (EPA) through an online public engagement website.

Following the Dec. 29, 2015, magnitude-4.7 earthquake near Sidney, B.C., that was felt throughout southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, many British Columbians are talking about what to do to be more prepared in the event of a bigger earthquake.