In 2017 and 2018, British Columbians were stricken by record-setting flood and fire seasons. The impacts are still being felt in communities like Grand Forks and Ashcroft.

The B.C. government has released its updated action plan in response to the government-commissioned, independent Abbott/Chapman report on the unprecedented 2017 wildfire and flood seasons in British Columbia.

Supporting First Nations communities in emergency situations is a priority for the Government of Canada.  First Nations communities are often vulnerable because of their remote locations, and the government is committed to ensuring everyone in Canada has access to quick, reliable emergency services.

Sixty-three local and regional governments and First Nations communities have been approved to receive their share of nearly $1.5 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to support emergency operations centres (EOCs) and related emergency training.

Sixty local and regional governments and First Nations communities have been approved to receive their share of approximately $1.5 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to support evacuation route planning.

Another six communities have been approved to receive a share of approximately $3 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to support emergency social services.

Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness, met with local officials from Grand Forks and the surrounding region last week as recovery work continues following the devastating flooding that hit the region in May 2018.

Small businesses in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB), which were affected by flooding this past spring, will be able to apply for part of $2.9 million in provincial funding through a small business financial grant.

The Province has released its action plan in response to the government-commissioned, independent Abbott/Chapman report on the unprecedented 2017 wildfire and flood seasons in British Columbia.