Services and supports expanded to help evacuees in Mid Island-Pacific Rim

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PORT ALBERNI – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne is welcoming funding to improve local emergency support services (ESS) for people evacuated from their homes during natural disasters or other emergencies.

“Preparing and planning for natural disasters requires a wrap-around approach to ensure that people are supported in times of crises,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “Our government is making investments to help support the programs and services that people need when they are evacuated, to help take a some of the pressure off of people when they need it most.”

In the region, the following communities are receiving funding:

  • Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, in partnership with Port Alberni, Expanding ESS Preparedness to the Long Beach EA & Strengthening the ESS Programs in Bamfield and the Alberni Valley project, $60,000
  • Uchucklesaht Tribe, ESS Program Support 2023 project, $29,953

In total, $2.2 million is being distributed to communities across the province. The funding will expand local capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment, retention, training, and the purchase of supplies and equipment. This funding will also support the modernization of local ESS programs to move toward digital registration and reporting.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28461