The Province has developed new guidance for emergency management partners, including local governments, related to engagement responsibilities included in the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA). The guidance will be updated annually, and as new tools and regulations associated with the EDMA come into effect.
This document includes the following information:
- An overview of the EDMA Indigenous engagement requirements, including related background information.
- A list of who regulated entities, including local governments, must engage with and direction for when engagement must occur.
- A section on incorporating Indigenous knowledge and cultural safety, as well as several examples.
- An overview of the consultation and cooperation requirements, as well as several examples.
- Contacts to help further this work.
The guidance document, while not prescriptive, does provide information regarding some of the key local government requirements, such as entering into agreements with Indigenous Governing Bodies on areas over which consultation and cooperation must take place; consultation and cooperation in the development of key documents (e.g. risk assessments, emergency management plans); and consultation and cooperation during response and recovery phases.
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) notes that implementation of the Indigenous engagement requirements can be furthered through upcoming collaboration on regulations associated with the EDMA, the legislated five-year review of the Act, and other engagement with Indigenous Peoples and emergency management partners. The Ministry also commits to providing additional time and support for relationship building, including those that are in the early stages.
The Province, last year, announced $18 million in short-term funding for local governments and First Nations to address these requirements. UBCM continues to advocate for a long-term funding and capacity-building framework for local governments to address these and other responsibilities included in the EDMA.
More information, updates and resources related to the EDMA can be found on the Province’s dedicated webpage.