BC declares state of emergency amid record flooding

The BC government has declared a state of emergency related to flooding across the province.

The proclamation grants the province various powers from stopping hoarding to restricting movement in and out of flood zones.

“This order will maintain basic access to supplies throughout the province. We will be introducing transportation restrictions to ensure services reach the communities that need them,” said BC Premier John Horgan.

“Please do not hoard items.”

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BC floods: What the state of emergency means for the province

By law, the state of emergency provides the government with comprehensive rights to resources, tourism and protection of the food chain.

The province has had its state of emergency this year related to COVID-19 and Forest fires in the summer.

Emergency action gives the province the ability to acquire or use any land or personal property deemed necessary to prevent, respond to, or mitigate the impact of an emergency or disaster.

It also provides the ability to authorize or require any person to provide assistance of the kind that he or she is eligible to provide, meaning that the government can break contracts to secure needed workers. .

With highways expected to reopen at minimal capacity, the emergency act gives the province control or prohibits travel to or from any part of British Columbia.

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BC floods: Fire and water threaten Sumas grasslands in Abbotsford

In response to ongoing hoarding in some areas, the state of emergency will provide the province with the ability to restore essential facilities and allow distribution of essential supplies.

The Province will also be able to purchase, set prices or meals, clothing, fuel, equipment, medical or other essential supplies, and the use of any property, service, resource or equipment. within any region of the province.

If evacuations are taking place, the province will be able to effect evacuations and remove livestock, animals and personal property from any areas of British Columbia that are or may be affected. by emergency or disaster.

The province will then make arrangements for adequate care and protection of people, livestock, livestock and personal property. The order will allow any person to enter any building or on any land, without a warrant, during the execution of the emergency plan.

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BC floods: Farmers rescue livestock in Abbotsford floodwaters

The federal government has been providing British Columbia with the resources needed to deal with the ongoing situation.

On Tuesday night, they formally requested federal assistance in the Sumas grasslands and to assist with the flood situation in general.

This includes ground and air support from the Canadian Armed Forces. Ottawa has agreed to provide assistance.

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Trudeau says he’s ‘extremely concerned’ about flooding in BC

“First of all, I want people to know that the federal government has engaged with the local government, with the province, I spoke to the prime minister, I spoke to some mayors last night to talk about how people are doing. do as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

“We are also working with them on saving lives, sending resources like our own to assist our people in this situation. But we will also be there to clean up and rebuild after and after these extreme weather events. It is important that Canadians continue to do what we do, which is to stand by each other during this difficult time. “