Fraser Valley/Vancouver/Victoria/Ottawa – In a public social media post, the Executive Director for UBCM Union of BC Municipalities Gary MacIsaac, asked BC Premier John Horgan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a seat at the table when emergency response and climate resiliency is being discussed.
Here’s a joint letter from @UBCM and FCM to Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Horgan.
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Horgan;
We write to you on behalf of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Union of British
Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to request local government representation in the newly formed joint
committee on disaster response and climate resilience.
British Columbia has experienced unprecedented natural disasters this year. The recent devastating
atmospheric river rain events are just the latest in a series of climate related emergencies. Local
governments are on the front lines of these emergencies and they have responded quickly and effectively.
As the level of government closest to the people they are faced with the need for immediate response in
the face of extremely challenging circumstances. And the post disaster response to repair communities and
infrastructure will go on for years.
We were pleased to see your November 26th announcement of the creation of a joint committee to address
disaster response and climate resilience. We understand this is a federal/provincial committee that will be
co-chaired by Minister Blair and Minister Farnworth. We have requested a terms of reference for the
committee and have been advised they are under development.
Given the impact of these events on communities, it will be critical for the success of the committee to
include local government representation. Local governments have detailed knowledge of the critical
infrastructure, operations, emergency preparedness and planning background that will be essential to the
process of rebuilding and renewing.
UBCM would be pleased to assist in the identification of local government representatives to provide this
critical local perspective on the joint committee, ensuring those identified support the mandate of the
group once the terms of reference are finalized.
Thank-you for your consideration of our request.
Laurey-Anne Roodenburg UBCM President
Garth Frizzel Past President FCM Federal of Canadian Municipalities
