Feds Seek Public Engagement
- kc dyer
- 51 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Local input sought to strengthen emergency leadership
Lions Bay Council is weighing in on a new national initiative to improve federal leadership in emergency management.
In a December letter to Council, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea To Sky MP Patrick Weiler announced that the federal government has opened a public engagement process on the topic.
Weiler stated that the initiative has been born out of the increasing impact of climate change on natural disasters, and said that the consultation is "an opportunity for Canadians and emergency management partners to share their views on the priorities, gaps, and opportunities that should guide the federal approach in the years ahead."
The engagement process is currently open, and is slated to close on February 28, 2026.
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At the January 6 meeting, Lions Bay Council agreed to formulate a response to Weiler's request at their next Committee of the Whole meeting.
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Feedback is being sought from a wide range of stakeholders including provinces and territories, Indigenous governments and organizations and emergency management teams, but they are also seeking public input.
"Lived experience and local knowledge are essential in shaping federal policies that reflect what communities truly need," Weiler said, noting that public feedback can help inform a more coordinated, flexible, and community centred approach to emergency management.
Consultation is focused on looking at the federal government's role in emergency management, the changes needed in current programs to address te risks posed by the changing climate, and information sharing to help in preparedness.
Earlier this year, Lions Bay Village Council made an application to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) asking that the province strengthen regional capacity. While an application seeking improved emergency water treatment facilities met with approval, the Emergency Management application was denied.
Lions Bay Chief Administrative Officer Ross Blackwell, who also held the role of Director of Operations for the duration of the recent State of Local Emergency, said he was surprised and disappointed that UBCM did not advance the emergency management resolution, especially given that it had the support of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association.
"The intent of the resolution was to highlight the very real capacity challenges faced by small municipalities in meeting increasingly complex emergency management responsibilities," Blackwell said, adding that the Emergency and Disaster Management Act already addresses the possibility of a more regionalized approach.
"I strongly believe this model needs to be expanded and more formally structured, with emergency management delivered at the regional level on an opt-in basis for member municipalities. This would allow for greater consistency, resilience, and efficiency, while reducing duplication and capacity strain at the local level."
With regard to this new federal initiative, Blackwell noted that emergency preparedness and response are shared responsibilities across all levels of government, and said that any initiative that explores additional support, coordination, or funding from senior levels of government is welcome.
Members of the public are encouraged to take a look at the parameters of the initiative on the Public Safety site, and share their feedback by email to:
The Watershed welcomes your thoughts.
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email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.caÂ
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