Whereas the current response capability approval process for individual ground search and rescue SAR teams is hindering the ability of teams to respond to known hazards and utilize local capabilities and innovative technology; And whereas while the Province is responsible for administration of the SAR Program, local SAR expertise, community needs, and local authorities and agencies input must be a greater part of the capability approval process; And whereas capability decisions must not include call volume, as saving one life makes the investment of time and money worthwhile, and strengthens the overall SAR capacity to assist our counterparts across the region and province when called upon: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to change the search and rescue capability approval process from the Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Search and Rescue EMCR SAR Unit, to a collaborative process involving the ground search and rescue team, local authorities, and the EMCR SAR Unit.
