Newsletter from MLA/Minister Katrine Conroy
By Katrine Conroy
This week, many people in Kootenay West and beyond are feeling the impacts of wildfires. While you may not be directly impacted by wildfires this season, you likely have a friend or loved one who will be. These fires can start quickly and change fast. Though we can’t always predict emergencies, it’s important to know what resources and information are available if you need them.
- To stay informed about the wildfire situation, follow BC Wildfire on social media. Check out the BC Wildfire dashboard online here or download the mobile app on the App Store or Google Play.
- The Regional District of Central Kootenay provides notices, evacuation alerts and orders. We recommend following them on social media to stay informed and up to date on fire activity in the region.
- If you are driving be sure to check Drive BC for current conditions, alerts, and advisories.
- If you are impacted by smoke follow BC CDC guidelines for how to best protect yourself and others, including using a HEPA air filter, and using an N95 respirator, especially if you are working or spending lots of time outdoors.
- Be prepared for the possibility of receiving an evacuation order. We strongly encourage you to pack an emergency kit and create a family emergency plan. For more comprehensive information on how to prepare for a wildfire, refer to the Wildfire Preparedness Guide.
- If you receive an evacuation order, Emergency Support Services (gov.bc.ca) can help with securing basic supports like accommodation, food, or clothing during an emergency event. Anyone can pre-register, and create a profile beforehand.
- You can also find news, updates, resources, helpful links, and up-to-date information about emergencies across B.C. at EmergencyInfoBC.
To report a wildfire:
To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire in British Columbia, please call 1 800 663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) as soon as possible.
Information from the public is crucial to the effectiveness of our response. If you can, take a picture of the fire and submit it using the BC Wildfire Service app (download in the App Store and on Google Play).
All calls are answered by BC Wildfire Service staff at the Provincial Wildfire Reporting Centre. Any information you can provide is helpful, however you can expect the emergency call taker to ask for details about the fire.
To contact the BC Wildfire Service with any other inquiry please see the contact information page.
More people will benefit from training grants
People training for good paying, in-demand careers will be able to access grants that cover most, or all, of their tuition thanks to the next intake of the StrongerBC future skills grant. We need to give people the opportunity to build a good life – and help employers find the people to drive our economy forward and deliver the services we all rely on. The program has served thousands of learners throughout the province, helping people access training opportunities in industries, such as health care, firefighting, cybersecurity, and construction.
Government taking action to help people out of poverty
People facing complex barriers will have better access to employment opportunities with the launch of wraparound services that support the most vulnerable on their path to employment readiness. Community-based Employment Services (CBES) will offer individualized support for people facing challenges, such as unstable housing, health, mental health and substance use, to help them gain stability, confidence and take steps to get a job. This new employment program will support people getting back to work so they can build a better life.
Nearly 90% of B.C. communities have adopted small-scale multi-unit housing legislation
Provincial legislation to fix outdated zoning rules and create more small-scale multi-unit homes (row homes, triplexes, and townhouses) has now been adopted into local bylaws, paving the way for more housing options for people with middle incomes. We are encouraged that most local governments have worked hard to adopt much-needed provincial legislation to fix old zoning rules and deliver the types of homes that people need. Out of 188 local governments in B.C., 162 have adopted the small-scale multi-unit legislation by passing local bylaws, with another nine communities actively working to adopt the legislation.
Province strengthens gynecological cancer care
Women will have improved access to cancer care as the province expands gynecological oncology surgical services to new regions and strengthens the teams providing care with more staff, including new gynecological oncologists. When someone is diagnosed, they need the best possible care, close to home, where they have the support of friends and family. The expansion of this critical provincial program includes hiring more health-care workers and nearly doubling the number of surgeons providing gynecologic cancer care in B.C.
Innovative model of addictions care expands throughout B.C.
A made-in-B.C. model of addictions care, which is improving the way people access services, is expanding. When people living with addiction reach out for help, we need services ready to meet them, no matter where they live. Road to Recovery has been operating in Vancouver since October 2023, and now, we’re expanding the program across the province.
My community office is open this Monday to Thursday 10 am – 3 pm. To make sure Sarah and Angelika are available set up an appointment. The office can be reached at 250-304-2783 or Katrine.Conroy.MLA@leg.bc.ca.
Volunteers wanted for the annual Pass Creek Fall Fair! This event is not possible without the support of the community and volunteers. The Fall fair is anticipated to take place September 20-22nd, 2024. You can sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/52W7KHP
Helpful resources:
- 8-1-1 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line in British Columbia.
- 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that connects people to helpful and vital resources in their community. They provide information and referrals to various community, government, and social services.
- Visit the brand-new BC Benefits Connector at gov.bc.ca/BCBenefitsConnector to find benefits and savings for things like energy bills, transportation, education and training, and health care.
- Stay up to date with weather conditions and forecasts: Weather.gc.ca
- Check road conditions before you leave: DriveBC.ca
- Stay informed during emergencies: Emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
- Find mental health and substance-use supports: Helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca
- Find Youth drug prevention supports: Youth drug prevention (gov.bc.ca)
- If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
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