The first update is regarding timing. Due to the ongoing response to COVID-19, the target date to deliver new legislation has shifted. They are now focused on spring 2022 for the introduction of new emergency management legislation in the Legislative Assembly.

Between now and fall 2021, they will be reconnecting with partners as they develop the legislation. Some work on new regulations will also begin this year; however, most of it will occur once new legislation is in place.

Currently, they are assessing input from their initial engagements, as captured in the What We Heard report.  They are also reviewing lessons learned from British Columbia’s early response to COVID-19 and determining how previous input and experiences can be reflected in a new act. Once that work is complete, they will seek direction from government, draft the new legislation and present it for approval.  

The second update is regarding how they plan to keep you informed of the legislative development process over the coming months. For efficiency and ease, they’ve launched an online hub that will consolidate all information related to the new legislation. Subscribe to receive prompts when new information is posted by emailing: modernizeEM@gov.bc.ca

Throughout this initiative, EMBC has been working closely with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, including the Flood and Wildfire Advisory Committee. This will continue between now and spring 2022 to ensure local authority perspectives and needs are well understood by government. Later in 2021 and early 2022, EMBC will also be working with the UBCM, among other partners, on implementation planning.