VANCOUVER– BC NDP MLAs Amshen and Dhir say Vancouver will be better prepared for emergencies with provincial funding for emergency operations centres.
“It’s important to be prepared for emergencies of any kind, and that’s why our government is providing funding for emergency training exercises,” said Amshen (Joan Phillip), MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona. “Thank you to our amazing first responders who work so hard to keep Vancouver safe.”
In Vancouver, the following First Nations and local governments are receiving funding:
- Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Section Training and Tabletop Exercise, $39,958.39
- City of Vancouver, ICS and Section Training, $36,621.40
The Province is providing nearly $7 million to support 139 emergency operation centre projects, benefiting 183 communities. These funds will purchase supplies and fund training and exercises to support staff and boost response capacity.
Emergency operations centres coordinate people, actions and resources, and support first responders on the ground. They also ensure people receive timely information, shelter assistance and other vital services throughout an emergency.
“During an emergency, it is essential that leaders and first responders can coordinate effectively to keep people safe,” says Sunita Dhir, MLA for Vancouver-Langara. “This funding will support training programs and interactive exercises so that Vancouver is prepared if an emergency occurs.”
Since 2017, the Province has invested $369 million into the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. Including this intake, more than $342 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments for more than 2500 projects. Since 2017, approximately $23 million has been invested to support local emergency operations centres. This fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).
Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025EMCR0026-000555