TEGART – NDP isn’t on the ball when it comes to actioning wildfires

By JACKIE TEGART
MLA, Fraser-Nicola

IT SEEMS LIKE every year, the wildfire season in British Columbia intensifies, devastating families and communities.

This year, wildfires have started unusually early and are already burning across many parts of the province. Despite the long-lasting impacts wildfires have, we have not seen evidence to suggest the NDP is taking the necessary action to prevent wildfires and support evacuees in the aftermath.

A key example has been this government’s handling of the 2021 wildfire that tragically left Lytton in ruins. Three years in, and building is only just beginning.

Recognizing the urgent need for accountability, my colleague, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar, and I wrote to the auditor general on July 5, 2023, formally requesting that their office launch a full and transparent investigation into Lytton’s delayed recovery efforts.

I was relieved to hear that this investigation is now underway as of May 1, 2024,but  it has been deeply disappointing to see David Eby’s NDP government attempts at avoiding any accountability.

I am hopeful that the launch of this investigation by the auditor general will shed some light on the delays from this government and provide a clear path forward to get the community of Lytton back home.

It must be a priority to get homes built so families can recover from the devastation they have been feeling for far too long. While Lytton may be small, the community has a large voice, and they deserve better than what they have been receiving.

It is time for proactive leadership that prioritizes efficient and effective wildfire management. BC United, led by Kevin Falcon, is committed to implementing a bold new wildfire policy — and we have a plan that will put fires out. Our policy cuts through bureaucratic delays and ensures timely action that directly benefits British Columbians during crises.

Our comprehensive approach includes modernizing B.C.’s firefighting services. We will increase the number of frontline personnel and aircrafts while integrating cutting-edge fire suppression technology to protect homes and infrastructure.

We also plan to harness local expertise to streamline and enhance our response capabilities, ensuring our teams are well-equipped with the necessary resources.

For the past seven years, each wildfire season has been more devastating than the last, and yet we continue to see no substantial action from the current government to reverse this trend. The time for change is now.

United, we will fix it.

Jackie Tegart was elected as the MLA for Fraser-Nicola in 2013, 2017, and 2020. She currently serves as Assistant Deputy Speaker.