PORT MOODY – BC NDP MLA Rick Glumac says new funding will help make sure that local emergency management practices are inclusive and respectful of Indigenous people and communities.

“Whether we’re facing potential flooding, or other emergencies, having a culturally informed plans will put us in a better position to assist everyone in the Tri-Cities,” says Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody – Burquitlam.

The City of Port Moody is receiving $40,000.00 in funding for Indigenous Cultural Safety & Cultural Humility Training, while the City of Coquitlam $40,000.00 for Cultural Safety and Humility Training with coordination from Kwikwetlem First Nation, EOC staff and ESS volunteers.

The provincial government is providing approximately $1 million for 20 projects around BC. Projects include staff and volunteer training, and building and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund supports local governments and First Nations to better prepare for and respond to disasters. In addition to Indigenous cultural safety and cultural-humility training, CEPF funding also supports:

• disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation;
• volunteer and composite fire departments equipment and training;
• emergency operations centre equipment and training;
• public notification and evacuation route planning;
• emergency support-services equipment and training.

Since the CEPF was established in 2017, more than $300 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments for over 2,170 projects.