Earlier this year, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) revised its timeline for the introduction of new emergency management legislation from spring 2023 to fall 2023. In the meantime, the Ministry will use the remaining time to discuss the legislation with communities.
One reason for delaying the legislation was to ensure that new requirements did not take effect immediately prior to the hazard season. A phased implementation is expected to begin immediately after new legislation is brought into force. In the near future, the Province will also begin modernizing associated regulations, including the Local Authority Emergency Program Regulation, which includes a framework for local emergency management planning requirements.
UBCM continues to seek a long-term local government funding and capacity-building framework to address new and ongoing emergency management costs. This request was re-iterated by UBCM President Jen Ford earlier this year, as part of a meeting with the Honourable Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
Until new legislation comes into force, the Emergency Program Act remains active, providing the legislative framework for disaster and emergency management in BC.