Letter to the Editor

NDP leader Tom Mulcair’s recent announcement of a three-point plan to assist provinces and territories in keeping Canadians safe from wildfires is good news for the Kootenays.

The Kootenay-Columbia region is experiencing worsening conditions for forest fires, and we know the problem will be made worse by climate change. I support Tom Mulcair’s strong leadership as he is offering a concrete plan to help communities.

Official Opposition Leader Mulcair made the announcement last week in Nanaimo at the start of a three-day visit to British Columbia.

“It’s no secret that government resources and first responders are being stretched to the limit this summer,” said Mulcair. “The NDP is taking action to ensure Canadians and their homes are safer with an effective and modern approach to coordinated disaster assistance.”

The three-point plan focuses on coordination, training and infrastructure, and will:

– Update and implement the National Disaster Mitigation Program;

-Restore funding for the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program and for training programs previously provided by the Emergency Preparedness College; and

– Establish a new Disaster Mitigation Infrastructure program in partnership with provinces and territories.

This announcement will help repair the damage done by Stephen Harper’s cutbacks.

The Harper Conservatives have increased the risk to residents of the Kootenays by cutting training and emergency preparedness. Tom Mulcair understands the importance of a strong national plan on wildfires to help the Kootenays.

That’s the kind of leadership that Canada needs.

Lead image: The air tanker stationed at Canadian Rockies International Airport passes over Cranbrook August 25, one of several trips made that day, coming and going from the south. e-KNOW

Wayne Stetski,

NDP candidate for Kootenay-Columbia

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