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.

On the eve of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 1-7, 2016), and following the recent earthquakes in Japan where aftershocks continue to rumble, the Province is announcing a new program to help students, their families and their communities better prepare for emergencies.

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 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.

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.

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.