WHEREAS the Province provides funding for local emergency planning but does not provide funding for infrastructure to put the planning into practical use; AND WHEREAS local governments need but cannot afford the infrastructure required to carry out those plans: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request that the Province review its emergency program funding to supply the necessary funds for small rural communities to purchase emergency preparedness infrastructure.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL The Province of British Columbia provides funding to local governments through a number of programs and ministries. The Ministry of Community Services has a number of grant programs with the Towns for Tomorrow program specifically created for small communities in the creation and enhancement of infrastructures including protective and emergency services. In addition, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, through the Provincial Emergency Program, administer the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program JEPP and the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Funds NIF. For example, JEPP funding may be used for the purchase of specialized communications equipment and the outfitting of Emergency Operation Centres.