B.C. making ‘significant investment’ to create year-round wildfire service

B.C. making 'significant investment' to create year-round wildfire service
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The provincial government will be making a significant investment in 2022 in order to create a year-round BC Wildfire Services, according to Minister of Finance Selina Robinson.

Robinson held a press conference on Monday and announced the news, one day ahead of the release of BC’s Budget 2022.

The finance minister called the investment “significant” and says the province hopes that it can help B.C. take a more proactive approach to fight and prepare for wildfires at all times of the year.

Robinson calls the move a “fundamental change,” outlining that more details will be revealed about the investment on Tuesday.

“It will ensure that BC Wildfire Services will have trained staff able to both prepare for and respond to future wildfires,” said Robinson. “This approach will deliver all pillars of emergency management: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.”

According to the Minister of Finance, the decision to allocate funds in Budget 2022 towards a year-round service is a result of wildfire season beginning early and lasting later each year.

“It’s an example of the kind of changes we need to make, the kind of changes that we will make to strengthen our defences while we continue to fight against climate change,” said Robinson.

With the investment allowing for more wildfire preparedness, Robinson hopes that it will help protect people, communities and businesses moving forward.

In addition to the year-round wildfire service, Robinson implied that there will be a heavy focus on other climate change-related investments as well.

BC Budget 2022 will be released on Tuesday, February 22.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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