“The smoke is here to stay.”
Those were the words of BC Centre for Disease Control senior scientist Angela Yao when talking about the health impacts of wildfire smoke at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver yesterday (Tuesday).
PG City Councillor Garth Frizzell attended the well-attended session, which also included remarks from Health Minister Adrian Dix and Armel Castellan, a senior meteorologist with Environment Canada.
Frizzell told MyPGNow.com that the upward trajectory anticipated for future wildfire seasons is not indigenous to BC or Prince George.
“We are not alone, we are not a voice in the wilderness. This is affecting not just every community in BC but all across North America. The measures we have seen haven’t been adequate yet but this isn’t something that is being ignored. There is going to be attention given to it.”
Frizzell added some strategies to reduce smoke exposure including buildings with adequate filtration and ventilation, portable HEPA filters as well as alternatives and contingencies for outdoor events when the air is smoky.
In addition, new Emergency Management Act legislation will be coming into the BC Legislature on October 3rd.
Minister Bowinn Ma confirmed the news while speaking at the UBCM.
The current Emergency Program Act in the province has not been updated in three decades with Ma acknowledging the existing act does not keep up with new challenges.
Frizzell believes this is a step in the right direction.
“When we seek more wildfire mitigation, this is not going to be something they have never heard of before. So, the table is set and they know we are among the people that are hurting. Prince George is not going to be ignored or brought up an issue that doesn’t matter, this is an issue that matters.”
Today’s agenda at the UBCM includes a series of Cabinet Town Halls beginning this afternoon involving the following ministers:
- Housing – Mins. Ravi Kahlon, Katrine Conroy & Jennifer Whiteside
- Emergency Preparedness – Mins. Bowinn Ma, Bruce Ralston, Nathan Cullen & Pam Alexis
- Stronger Public Services – Mins. Adrian Dix, Lisa Beare & Rachna Singh
BC United leader Kevin Falcon will be speaking to delegates tomorrow (Thursday) while Premier David Eby will cap off the five-day convention on Friday.
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