A comprehensive review of last year’s unprecedented flooding and wildfires across BC lists 108 recommendations.
A couple of the major themes contained in George Abbott and Chief Maureen Chapman’s report is fostering better relationships with First Nations and improving communication.
Chapman says what they heard across the board was that there are no reserve lines when fires or flood are coming at a community. She says those lines and boundaries need to be set aside so that everyone works together during an emergency.
Abbott says another issued that was raised frequently and forcefully during consultations was the amount of misinformation presented on social media.
One of the recommendations in the report is to have a common hub for all agencies and First Nations that provides real-time accurate information for people.
Forests minister Doug Donaldson says the 108 recommendations will take time to fully consider, but he says his government has already implemented 19.
He also notes the BC Wildfire Service is hiring more staff to support partnerships with Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
