WHEREAS search and rescue squads in British Columbia are not directly funded through the Province, each year they are required to apply for gaming grants which are not guaranteed and amounts vary; AND WHEREAS search and rescue squads provide an extremely valuable service in our vast province and consistent annual core funding, including equipment costs should be provided by the Province: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request the provincial government to directly fund 100 of the costs for search and rescue squad services.
Ministry of Justice The Province is proud of the 2,500 active Search and Rescue SAR members in British Columbia and works closely with our partner, the BC SAR Association, to identify challenges and successes that are encountered by these teams. Government is aware that BCs SAR Association is currently working to develop a proposed Alternative Funding Model for SAR in British Columbia, which it intends to present to government in the near future and look forward to seeing that and having further discussions with them on the topic. BCs 80 SAR teams are a critical resource in our Province and thats why in fiscal year 201213 government provided 7 million in gaming grant funding to SAR organizations and other public safety lifeline volunteers. Currently, this funding appears to meet the needs of SAR teams and the Province is not aware of any funding gaps. When any SAR team is activated they are granted an operational task number which provides all SAR volunteers with third party liability and WorkSafe BC coverage, reimbursement of operational expenses and repair andor replacement of equipment in accordance with current Emergency Management BC policy.