SAANICH ­–­ New Democrat MLAs Lana Popham and Murray Rankin 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. 

“Planning and preparedness are vital as we deal with a changing climate,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “I am glad to see these important investments to modernize and strengthen emergency support services here in Saanich, and across B.C.”

Saanich will be receiving $21,465.05 in funding.

“It is vital that communities are ready to respond quickly and efficiently in emergencies,” said Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. “This funding for Saanich will go a long way to increase local emergency preparedness.”

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