File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Abbotsford-Mission MLA Pam Alexis

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Emergency Support Services survey open

Jan 10, 2024 | 10:30 AM

HAVING TO EVACUATE YOUR HOME during an emergency is a heart-wrenching situation, and navigating things like accommodation, supports and other considerations can be daunting. Our government wants to make sure we are prepared to assist people during these difficult and stressful situations.

That’s why we’re revamping our Emergency Support Services (ESS) program to provide better support to people across British Columbia who need to evacuate their homes during an emergency. To guide this work, we want to hear from people who have first-hand experience in emergency situations, to find out what works well and where there are gaps.

The ESS program is funded by the province and administered through First Nations and local governments. It provides short-term support for people impacted by disasters, including shelter, food, transportation, clothing and other incidentals.

We would like to hear feedback from evacuees, front-line workers, volunteers and businesses about how they believe ESS could be improved, and how we can better support British Columbians in the face of emergencies.

The survey is open for public participation until Feb. 9, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific time) and can be found here.

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This builds on work we’re already doing, including launching an Expert Task Force on emergencies, and engaging with local governments, First Nations, front-line workers and key industries that experienced challenges during the 2023 wildfire season. This will help determine how we can better support evacuees, front-line workers, volunteers, businesses and British Columbians as a whole, as climate-related emergencies become more frequent.

As we approach another wildfire season and continue to deal with a changing climate, the safety of British Columbians is top of mind for our government. Combined with the work of the task force, this survey will help us make immediate and long-term changes to the ESS program that will help keep people in British Columbia safe and help us prepare for future emergencies.

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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.