BC NDP MLAs say funding will help better support evacuees in Victoria and Saanich during emergencies

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Saanich – MLAs Lana Popham and Nina Krieger say that provincial funding being distributed to local governments, regional districts, and First Nations across the province, including in Greater Victoria will support emergency support services, making sure people who are displaced and impacted in emergencies can access the support they need.

“Our emergency support services volunteers are the heart of community response during a crisis,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “This support will help Saanich recruit, train, and recognize the people who step up when others are in need. Investing in them means investing in a stronger, more prepared community.”

The following communities are receiving funding:

  • Saanich – $30,000 for evacuee registration and assistance tool enhancements, training, and volunteer recruitment, and recognition
  • Victoria – $15,287 for volunteer recruitment and recognition and group lodging supplies

“Here in B.C., we want to be able to rely on our emergency support services during a natural disaster,” said Nina Krieger MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “This funding will help these teams continue to do the incredibly important work of supporting people in the event of an emergency.”

This funding, from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, is investing nearly $2.5 million to support 54 projects in almost 90 communities in British Columbia.

This will support Local Governments and FirstNations to strengthen their Emergency Support Services to help people when they need it most, through training and recruiting volunteers, improving equipment, and accessing supplies like overnight kits for evacuees.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/33627