VERNON – New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu says that new funding for Emergency Support Services (ESS) will help keep people safe in the event of an emergency. More than 50 First Nations and local governments will receive a share of more than $1.9 million for local emergency preparedness. 

“With our changing climate, we should be prepared for more intense and frequent extreme weather events,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “I am pleased to see this investment help strengthen emergency support services and preparedness in Vernon.”

Vernon will be receiving $25,000 in funding to purchase equipment for an emergency reception centre.

This funding will support communities to build local capacity now to provide ESS when a disaster strikes. Governments will use funding for volunteer recruitment, retention and training, and the purchase of equipment.

Budget 2022 provides $2.1 billion to support the recovery of communities to build back better from recent disasters, and to strengthen defences to make sure people and communities across B.C. are protected from future disasters.

Learn More: news.gov.bc.ca/26769