New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says new provincial emergency preparedness funding will help improve emergency operation centres, and better equip local governments and First Nations across the North Island to respond to emergencies and keep people safe.

New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says new provincial emergency preparedness funding will help improve emergency operation centres, and better equip local governments and First Nations across the North Island to respond to emergencies and keep people safe.

Over $3.2 million in funding is being shared among 84 First Nations and local governments to help communities build or upgrade emergency operations centres (EOCs), purchase equipment, or enhance capacity through volunteer recruitment, retention and training.

Babchuk says the North Island is the recipient of over $250,000 in emergency operations centre funding which means that families across the area can know that their communities are prepared to keep them safe.

Campbell River and the Strathcona Regional District, along with other area communities are receiving $180,200 in joint funding for the Public Warning Capacity Enhancement project. This regional project will enable the communities to upgrade infrastructure to alert the public in the event of a disaster.

Budget 2022 provides $2.1 billion to support communities in building back better from recent disasters, and to strengthen defenses to make sure people across B.C. are protected from future disasters.