Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Michael Reeve / Q-101 Merritt

Lytton Fire

MLA Tegart calls on Horgan to ensure supports are in place for Lytton residents

Jul 13, 2021 | 3:01 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart has written to Premier John Horgan to ensure the correct supports are put in place for those displaced by the Lytton fire.

“My constituents suffered great trauma as they evacuated homes and businesses on a moment’s notice, most with nothing more than the clothes on their backs,” says Tegart in the letter.

“With all this in mind, it is vital that we ensure these evacuees get the supports they need. To my knowledge, in B.C. we have never seen a wildfire destroy nearly an entire town before. This makes the situation unique, and we must respond accordingly,” continues Tegart.

With the evacuees still displaced with no current timeline for a potential return, Tegart is calling for a strategy to be developed to ensure needs are met.

“Further — will the government’s plan provide appropriate supports to fire victims, including some or all of the following:

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• Mental health services, to support healing and recovery from this traumatic incident;
• Medical services, to provide health care and prescriptions to those who need them;
• Access to necessities including food, medication, toiletries and other comforts;
• Access to gift cards, which have been provided in other jurisdictions like Alberta, to give residents dignity and the ability to make their own choices about what they need;
• Stable accommodation arrangements, to reduce the stress of frequent moves;
• Accommodation for pets and livestock, and the feed and supplies to keep them healthy; and
• Connectivity to keep loved ones in touch with one another.

“As we begin to transition from the emergency response towards ensuring these residents can resume some semblance of a normal life, we must ensure the appropriate resources are available to them,” added Tegart.