SOOKE – New Democrat MLA Ravi Parmar says that funding announced today will help local fire departments to protect more people and structures in the community.

“People in the Juan de Fuca know that their local fire departments will be there for them when they need it most,” said Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “With this critical investment, rural communities like East Sooke, Otter Point, Shirley and Port Renfrew will ensure their fire departments are even better equipped to support their communities.”

The following local fire departments are receiving funding:

• Capital Regional District (regional fire partners: East Sooke, North Galiano, Otter Point, Shirley, Willis Point, Port Renfrew) – $179,439,98 for a fire department training and equipment project

Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the provincial government is providing more than $6.2 million for 122 local projects, benefiting more than 200 volunteer and composite fire departments across B.C. Composite fire departments are those that have a mix of staff and volunteers.

Since 2017, more than $17 million has been provided to volunteer and composite fire departments through the CEPF for additional equipment and training.