Rebuilding in Lytton, April 2024 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: NDP’s wildfire response is abandoning communities

May 9, 2024 | 10:28 AM

IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY YEAR, the wildfire season in British Columbia intensifies, devastating families and communities. This year, wildfires have started unusually early and are already burning across many parts of the province. Despite the long-lasting impacts wildfires have, we have not seen evidence to suggest the NDP is taking the necessary action to prevent wildfires and support evacuees in the aftermath.

A key example has been this government’s handling of the 2021 wildfire that tragically left Lytton in ruins. Three years in, and building is only just beginning.

Recognizing the urgent need for accountability, my colleague, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar, and I wrote to the auditor general on July 5, 2023, formally requesting that their office launch a full and transparent investigation into Lytton’s delayed recovery efforts. I was relieved to hear that this investigation is now underway as of May 1, 2024, it has been deeply disappointing to see David Eby’s NDP government attempts at avoiding any accountability.

I am hopeful that the launch of this investigation by the auditor general will shed some light on the delays from this government and provide a clear path forward to get the community of Lytton back home. It must be a priority to get homes built so families can recover from the devastation they have been feeling for far too long. While Lytton may be small, the community has a large voice, and they deserve better than what they have been receiving.

It is time for proactive leadership that prioritizes efficient and effective wildfire management. BC United, led by Kevin Falcon, is committed to implementing a bold new wildfire policy — and we have a plan that will put fires out. Our policy cuts through bureaucratic delays and ensures timely action that directly benefits British Columbians during crises.

Two and Out

PETERS: Conservatism used to be about lower taxes and smaller government, not conspiracy theories and racism

12h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Cutting carbon emissions can be easy and accessible to Kamloops residents

Oct 30, 2024

Question of the Week

Do you have confidence in the vote-counting carried out by Elections BC?

Oct 28, 2024

Our comprehensive approach includes modernizing B.C.’s firefighting services. We will increase the number of frontline personnel and aircrafts while integrating cutting-edge fire suppression technology to protect homes and infrastructure. We also plan to harness local expertise to streamline and enhance our response capabilities, ensuring our teams are well-equipped with the necessary resources.

For the past seven years, each wildfire season has been more devastating than the last, and yet we continue to see no substantial action from the current government to reverse this trend. The time for change is now.

United, we will fix it.

——

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.