In the midst of British Columbia’s first full-scale major earthquake and tsunami response exercise, Emergency Social Services (ESS) volunteers and the B.C. branch of the Salvation Army are getting the opportunity to experience what volunteering at “The Big One” might feel like.

Premier Christy Clark announced $33,350 in funding to the Princeton Ground Search and Rescue Society as part of the Province’s $10-million in one-time funding commitments to the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) to help bolster training, administrative support and equipment renewals for these critical public safety lifeline volunteers.

As the full scope and scale of impacts from the severe wildfire in Fort McMurray becomes clearer and Alberta transitions from response to resilience efforts, the British Columbia government continues to extend its hand of help with resources to aid the neighbouring province.

To better prepare British Columbians in the event of an emergency and ensure the basic needs of citizens are met, the Province is funding a series of collaborative projects to increase British Columbia’s capacity and capabilities to mitigate and manage emergencies.

The Province and Emergency Management BC are planning an earthquake and tsunami response exercise for June 7-10, 2016, in Port Alberni called Exercise Coastal Response.

Once a year, British Columbia recognizes Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer Award winners and their significant contributions to emergency and disaster response in this province.

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

As part of the public-safety funding announced in the 2016 provincial budget, the Province is committing $16.6 million toward a flood mitigation project in Richmond that will upgrade multiple pump stations.

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.