The provincial government has announced $18 million in short-term funding for local governments and First Nations to address new consultation and collaboration responsibilities outlined in the new Emergency and Disaster Management Act.
UBCM and its members have advocated for a long-term funding and a capacity-building framework to address these and other responsibilities included in the new Act. The Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) adds significant new consultation responsibilities without a clear plan to ensure that local governments and First Nations have the necessary guidance and resources to implement those responsibilities.
The new funding will support a variety of activities, including relationship building; the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge, cultural safety and lived experience of Indigenous peoples; and, work to address the disproportionate impacts on Indigenous peoples during emergencies and disasters.
Under EDMA, local governments are required to consult and cooperate with neighbouring Indigenous governing bodies during all phases of emergency management.
In some regional districts, this requirement would lead to multiple ongoing engagement processes with Indigenous governing bodies. Consultation and cooperation actions are required when developing risk assessments, preparing emergency management plans, and using certain response and recovery powers (e.g., evacuations, travel restrictions, and other actions affecting land or property). As part of the consultation and cooperation framework, the Province is also requiring local governments to reach agreements with neighbouring Indigenous governing bodies that define the areas for cooperation and consultation.
There is strong support among local governments for improving coordination between local governments and First Nations to strengthen collective emergency response. UBCM’s members have also consistently indicated that the work necessary to accomplish this goal has significant implications concerning the actual cost, time, and required capacity to meet these obligations.
While new consultation and cooperation requirements came into effect when legislation received royal assent, other obligations (e.g., enhanced emergency management plans, risk assessments, business continuity plans) will be phased in later. The Province is currently working to develop associated regulations and seeking input related to developing modernized financial assistance and local authorities regulations.