Kootenay—Columbia MP Wayne Stetski is pleased to celebrate a one-time endowment of $25 million in federal funding to Avalanche Canada, funding initially earmarked in the federal government’s fall economic statement last November and confirmed July 8 in an announcement from Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

This critical funding will contribute to national public avalanche safety by expanding the size and scope of Avalanche Canada’s safety program to new areas, including Northern British Columbia, parts of Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Yukon. This investment will also support augmenting public awareness activities, as well as materials for youth and newcomers, who may be unprepared or unfamiliar with Canada’s winters.

“I am very pleased to see this funding to secure the long-term future of Avalanche Canada,” said Stetski. “I have been a supporter of the important work they do to keep us safe in the backcountry since 2002, when the Kokanee Glacier Alpine Campaign raised money in support of a regular public avalanche forecast program for this province. This federal funding will mean Avalanche Canada can focus on expanding their service to Canadians. Helping my constituents be successful is some of the most important work I do, and this is a good example of what can happen when all parties work together to make a better Canada.”

“Avalanche Canada very much appreciates the support and advocacy of Kootenay-Columbia Member of Parliament Wayne Stetski who has been working with the Liberal government over the last two years to ensure the long-term viability of our organization,” said Gilles Valade, Executive Director of Avalanche Canada. “He has been a supporter of the work we do and of keeping backcountry users safe for over 20 years, first as Manager of BC Parks for the Kootenays, and most recently as Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia.”

Avalanche Canada is a non-profit organization based in Revelstoke, dedicated to improving avalanche awareness and safety. It provides avalanche forecasts, develops and delivers training and education programs, and supports research on avalanche safety.

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