WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia collects 4 percent of gross property and vehicle insurance premiums Insurance Premium Tax, which was originally intended to support fire protection throughout the province; AND WHEREAS the need for fire protection is continually increasing along with the costs of equipment, manpower, insurance, administration and training to provide these services; AND WHEREAS many areas throughout the province are at substantial risk of community wildfires and interface fires as a result of the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province re-direct the 4 percent Insurance Premium Tax for distribution to local governments through UBCM to help defray the continually increasing costs of fire protection provincially.
