LADYSMITH ­–­ New Democrat MLA Doug Routley say 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. 

“Preparedness makes responding to emergency events less stressful and more efficient,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “This funding will make a big impact in our community by helping Cowichan Tribes and Cowichan Valley Regional District to strengthen their emergency support services.”

Cowichan Valley Regional District, with Ladysmith, Duncan, North Cowichan, Lake Cowichan will be receiving $115,000 in funding for the Towable Generator Project. Cowichan Tribes will be receiving $25,000 for the Strengthening Cowichan Tribes’ ESS Program.

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