Government announces funding to British Columbia for 2024 wildfires

Ottawa is stepping in with funding for the British Columbia for 2024 wildfires.

In 2024, British Columbia saw over 1,600 wildfires burn approximately one million hectares of land. Between April 21 and October 7, 2024, over seven thousand residents were evacuated from their homes. Multiple residences, provincial infrastructure, provincial recreation sites and trails, and range fencing were destroyed.

President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada Harjit Sajjan announced payments of over $35 million to British Columbia through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program, to assist with response and recovery costs resulting from the wildfires in 2024.

Sajjan said, “In the last few years, we have seen the effects of climate change increase the frequency of disasters. This funding will help support British Columbia with their recovery and rebuilding efforts, as we work together to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Prioritizing our resiliency towards recurring disasters will help strengthen our adaptability and our ability to better recover.”