Lytton residents rally in the Village, Oct. 18, 2023 (Image credit: CFJC Today/File photo).

By Jackie Tegart, MLA for Fraser-Nicola

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Feb 15, 2024 | 10:30 AM

FOR MANY, A NEW YEAR signals a fresh start that allows them to put the past year behind them. Unfortunately, for many families who have been impacted by wildfires and floods, this year is just another reminder of the delays they have dealt with and the challenges they’ve faced trying to rebuild their homes.

More families and businesses have been calling out for support in the aftermath of the worst wildfire season in B.C.’s history. In addition, I have heard from individuals who were impacted by the Lytton Creek wildfire but live or own businesses on the outskirts of the village. While no one who lived in Lytton has received the timely support they deserve in the years since their community was wiped out in a deadly fire, these individuals are having an especially difficult time simply because of where they lived. In fact, they have received even less assistance than those inside the village. Meanwhile, little progress has been made to rebuild Lytton, nearly three years after the tragedy.

Irrespective of location, every property impacted by wildfires should receive the same level of consideration and support. Our smaller communities and rural properties have received little to no support in cleanup and restoration efforts, leaving families stranded. The choices made by the provincial government suggest preferential treatment at times of disaster and a lack of commitment to rural communities.

Many of the impacted communities are not covered by private insurance or Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA), leaving families to figure out how to rebuild their lives on their own. I have written letters to the government seeking increased financial support for all evacuees and for those who are not covered by insurance, yet they continue to go unanswered.

Our remote and rural communities deserve better. British Columbians need a government that will support them through challenging times and take all possible measures to prevent disasters from occurring. People just want to be able to rebuild their lives – it shouldn’t be this hard to get them the help they need.

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In September, BC United launched our bold wildfire policy after observing the significant gaps in the province’s current disaster response. If elected, a Kevin Falcon-led BC United government plans to ensure we are able to provide people with relief and support. By modernizing the complex DFA program, we will ensure all evacuees receive automatic financial support in the first 72 hours, in addition to streamlining and simplifying the DFA process and expanding coverage to homeowners in high-risk areas that are not covered by private insurers.

We will reduce the risk of wildfires through selective harvesting of beetle-damaged and burnt timber via expedited permits, regulatory changes, and financial incentives, as well as expedite re-planting in burnt areas to help wildlife populations and ecosystem recovery.

By putting people first, BC United will ensure that families receive the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives. We need a government that won’t neglect smaller communities but will take the necessary action to protect every corner of our province. People’s lives depend on it.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.