WHEREAS search and rescue organizations provide essential life and safety services to British Columbias residents and visitors through volunteer organizations funded largely by private fundraising, local government grants and other forms of uncertain revenues; AND WHEREAS the costs of providing search and rescue services are escalating dramatically due to call volumes, equipment costs and necessary liability insurance: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities petition the provincial government to provide a significant level of predictable and sustainable funding to the provinces search and rescue organizations, including provision of adequate liability insurance.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY SOLICITOR GENERAL The Ministry and BC Search and Rescue Association have developed a collaborative strategy to address a number of search and rescue specific issues. The Province recently allocated 180,000 to search and rescue teams in BC to assist with funding operational costs and the purchase of third party liability insurance. Long term funding options continue to be explored and discussed between appropriate provincial and federal government agencies and search and rescue organizations.