Trudeau announces committee to shape flood recovery efforts in B.C.
CBC
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the formation of a new federal committee to manage British Columbia's recovery from the recent flooding and deadly mudslides.
Trudeau made the announcement at a news conference alongside B.C. Premier John Horgan in Victoria on Friday evening, at the end of his first trip to the province following the extensive flooding two weeks ago.
The committee will be co-chaired by Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair and B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth, with other committee members to be announced later. It will also include Indigenous representatives.
Trudeau said he hopes the committee will also shape the response to future extreme events, as well as the larger government response to climate change.
"It can't be just about weatherproofing homes, although that's an important piece," he said.
"We have to make sure we're investing in communities, getting our country to net zero, [and] investing in support and leadership by Indigenous communities."
Hundreds of people remain displaced by the floods, with highways damaged and supply chains choked heading into another weekend of storms.
Trudeau visited the community of Abbotsford, southeast of Vancouver, earlier on Friday, viewing flood damage first-hand and talking to local officials, first responders and First Nations' leadership.
He said he saw "amazing" strength and resilience from first responders there, and praised community efforts in the wake of the floods.
"It's not going to be enough for us to be there now and in the coming weeks — we need to be there each other in the coming months and coming years."
Trudeau and Horgan also announced that the provincial and federal governments will be matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross's flood fundraising campaign for 30 days starting Friday.
That means every $1 donated will be tripled to $3, with the governments also retroactively matching every donation since the campaign started on Nov. 17.
The Red Cross and the province of British Columbia had earlier partnered to offer $2,000 to British Columbians who were ordered to evacuate their homes from Nov. 14 to 16 due to flooding.
This is in addition to the Disaster Financial Assistance available to those affected. To access these supports, displaced British Columbians need to register with the Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. PT.
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