NDP MLAs say that North Shore communities will be better prepared to support people during emergencies with new funding

NORTH VANCOUVER ­–­ New Democrat MLAs Bowinn Ma and Susie Chant 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. 

“Emergencies can happen at any time and it’s important that the supports and services people need are in place before a disaster happens,” said Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale. “With this funding, our local governments, including the Squamish Nation, will be better prepared to support people in our community during an emergency.”

Local governments and First Nations will be receiving funding in North Vancouver

  • North Vancouver District with North Vancouver City, West Vancouver – $69,542.65 for Response Support Technical Integration
  • Squamish Nation – $24,876.43

“The past year has shown everyone just how important it is to be prepared in advance for any emergency,” said Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour. “This new funding will help make sure our local government can build capacity and be ready to support people when disaster strikes, which is particularly important here on the North Shore due to our landscape and constrictions.”

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: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022EMBC0028-000718