NORTH VANCOUVER – Bowinn Ma MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale is welcoming an injection of $18.6 million to the B.C. Search and Rescue Association over the next three years as the province looks at sustainable funding options.

“B.C.’s ground search and rescue groups and their volunteers risk life and limb to serve the public and save lives,” said Ma. “This historic investment will provide much needed equipment and training for the 80 SAR groups around the province. As a North Shore resident, I understand how important it is to support these critical services and volunteers.”

Ma added that there are 2,500 registered search and rescue volunteers across the province, all who provide a vital public safety service for citizens and visitors.

This new funding is in addition to funding that the Province already provides each year – $9 million in 2017-18 – to cover GSAR operational costs for deployment, as well as training and equipment costs, and the insurance and liability for the 80 groups serving B.C.

This funding represents the single largest provincial ground search and rescue investment in B.C.’s history.

Learn more about BCSARA: www.bcsara.com

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