POWELL RIVER ­–­ New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons 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 towards local emergency preparedness. 

“Recent climate related events have highlighted the importance of preparing for future emergencies,” said Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “These investments are part of our ongoing work to modernize and strengthen emergency support services in communities across the province.”

The qathet Regional District will receive $25,000 for a storage container with emergency supplies and equipment. The Sunshine Coast Regional District will receive $24,967 for reception centre modernization.

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 defenses to make sure people and communities across B.C. are protected from future disasters.

Learn More: news.gov.bc.ca/26769