As part of the Province’s investment of over $80 million in emergency preparedness and public safety, Minister of Energy and Mines and MLA for East Kootenay Bill Bennett announced support for several projects in the Kootenay region on behalf of Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are making investments to create jobs and grow the middle class now while building a foundation for a strong, sustainable economic future. Infrastructure investments are vital to creating opportunities, and building inclusive communities where families can work, learn and play.

Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett outlined government’s actions, including new policies and funding, to increase competitiveness, strengthen First Nations involvement, and enhance responsible resource development in British Columbia’s mining sector.

Preliminary work is underway on Rolla Road (known locally as Snake Pit Road), and 8th Street in Dawson Creek, two sites affected by the Peace flooding last June, announced MLA for Peace River South Mike Bernier on behalf of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

As cooler weather moves in throughout the province, communities have almost 1,000 extreme weather shelter beds ready to be activated if conditions threaten the health and safety of homeless individuals.

British Columbia’s Second Quarterly Report continues to forecast increased revenues and reduced debt, demonstrating that government’s ongoing fiscal prudence, economic diversification and debt reduction continue to have a positive impact on the provincial economy.

The British Columbia government will provide approximately $1.6 million this winter to fund close to 1,000 extreme weather shelter spaces to ensure those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness have access to a safe and warm place to stay during nights of severe weather.

The B.C. government is funding five extreme weather shelter spaces in Hope this winter to help people whose health and safety may be threatened by cold, wet weather.

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available to eligible British Columbians in areas of the province that were impacted by severe weather and flooding that occurred from Nov. 3-14, 2016.