The Cariboo Regional District is looking to the Province to help with the different hurdles being faced during emergencies.
Chair, Margo Wagner says the problem stem from lack of clarity when it comes to regulatory and program guidelines on how to continue the process of improving disaster responses.
Wagner says their response can only go so far.
“We only issue evacuation orders or alerts that are meant to get people out of harms way when danger is present.” says Wagner.
“They’re not appropriate tools for engaging in critical assessment or recovery work when the danger has passed. There’s other issues of cultural significance being on Crown Land which we have limited authority over.”
Wagner says better tools are needed for them to support First Nations and Indigenous governing bodies in protecting culturally significant sites after an emergency.
The CRD sent a letter to the Province regarding their concern on the issues faced, particularly with the Chilcotin River landslide.
The Province indicated they’re willing to meet with the CRD, both with Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship Minister, Nathan Cullen and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister, Bowinn Ma.
Another issue Wagner says is engaging with stakeholders as local governments aren’t recognized in the Canadian Constitution.
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