NDP MLAs Jennifer Rice and Nathan Cullen say that people in the northwest will benefit from emergency operations centre funding

SMITHERS – New Democrat MLAs Jennifer Rice and Nathan Cullen say that new provincial emergency preparedness funding will help improve emergency operation centres, and better equip local governments and First Nations in the northwest to respond to emergencies and keep people safe.

Over $3.2 million in funding is being shared among 84 First Nations and local governments to help communities build or upgrade emergency operations centres (EOCs), purchase equipment, or enhance capacity through volunteer recruitment, retention and training.

“During an emergency, it’s important for people and communities to have a place where they can coordinate their response, actions, and supports,” said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine. “With this funding, First Nations and local governments here in Stikine will be able to upgrade their emergency operations centres, making it easier to come together quickly and improve their emergency preparedness and response.”

“Emergency operations centres (EOCs) are an essential part of emergency response, where representatives come together to coordinate actions and resources and support people responding on the ground,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “We’re excited that through this round of funding, even more First Nations and local governments will upgrade their EOCs, increasing their community resiliency and ability to react quickly when an emergency happens.”

The Heiltsuk Nation in North Coast is receiving $25,000 in funding for Taking Care of our Community. The grant will be used for supplies and equipment for the new EOC in Bella Bella. Additionally, Smithers, Telkwa in Stikine is receiving $50,000 in funding. The grant will go towards providing greater resiliency and mobile operations by enabling the set-up of an EOC mobile communications and command centre.

Other projects being funded in the region are listed below:

  • Kitasoo Xai’Xai Nation – $17,288 for EOC Capacity Enhancement
  • Nuxalk First Nation – $25,000 for EOC Generator Project
  • Stewart – $18,000 for EOC Preparedness 2022
  • Gitanyow Band – $10,581 for EOC Communications Project

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

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/27133