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Participant: Stop spraying glyphosate - compounds the issues our ecosystems are already experiencing with the fire and flooding emergencies and deforestation. Also, deciduous trees are needed as fire-blocks, so stop brushing/spraying them!

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My first recommendation would be to stop the harm to the lands and waters. The issues we are facing are all caused by human greed, the Anthropocene.

So much discussion is around adaptation which is very important but we should really recommend to stop further harm. And then begin the important work of restoring.

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Forum de février 2020 du CAEC Enseignements de nos aînés Tout est lié Communautés autochtones Établissement du Centre Rien à propos de nous sans nous Les communautés autochtones veulent mieux gérer les enjeux sociaux, culturels, sanitaires, environnementaux et économiques liés... En savoir plus Partager ce qui est mieux pour tous Les valeurs autochtones sont au [...]

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FNESS Emergency Management Funding List 

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FNESS Emergency Management Funding List 

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Casey Larochelle updates and sends out the FNESS Emergency Management Funding list every 4-6 weeks.

Email Casey to be included in this send out!

clarochelle@fness.bc.ca cell 250-713-1617.

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Can we change the systems that require a new ROW for each project? Each proponent states that their ROW will only be X meters wide; however, when the ROW’s are next to each other, it adds up. And many animals will only venture about 75 meters into the open. Also, the wolves and other predators have adapted to various vantage points and this makes their hunting more efficient. Too, the majority of the proponents’ plans only have hydroseeding as a revegetation option; this removes cover and food for the animals and bird we harvest.

(Question from Land/Earth Breakout participant)

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The health of our salmon streams are directly impacted by the deforestation of the land. There are buffers of 1.5 tree lengths but with the storms getting worse, the blow down is reducing any little protection that provided. Also, the tributaries are not protected, so the water is heating up, debris is flowing into river systems. Is the plans to change the way we operate in forests?

There are many unique species, birds and plants and even yellow cedar that are at risk of extinction. How are they protected?

(Question from Land/Earth breakout participant)

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All forestry plans that had originally been approved more than ten years ago should be pulled and updated to current regulations...

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All forestry plans that had originally been approved more than ten years ago should be pulled and updated to current regulations...

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Past practices for their wildlife and cultural values have been questionable. For example, one forestry company conducted an eulachon study in November, the eulachon spawn in March or April; and, the company used a coho net (about 6 inch mesh net) and eulachon can swim through that (if they had used it in March). Older plans do not take into consideration the FN plant foods or medicines.

(Question from Land/Earth Breakout Participant)

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Join us on March 14th at 5pm (PST) for an opportunity to learn about wildfire and smoke risk, including resources and tips to help keep individuals and their families, friends, and communities stay safe during a wildfire event. Learn more about wildfire and smoke preparedness, risk reduction initiatives across B.C., and to connect with other community members on perspectives and experiences as it relates to our individual and collective wildfire risk and resilience.

Speakers will feature Amanda Broad from BC's Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness, Sarah Henderson from BC Centre for Disease Control, and BC Wildfire Service.

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wildfires & smoke - resources and tips for staying safe

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wildfires & smoke - resources and tips for staying safe tickets

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Wildfires & Smoke - Resources and Tips for Staying Safe

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Eventbrite - Metis Nation British Columbia presents Wildfires & Smoke - Resources and Tips for Staying Safe - Thursday, 14 March 2024 - Find event and ticket information.

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I think the non timber values should be considered like air, watershed systems , food such as salmon, mushrooms, berries, importance of biodiversity on earth health, etc. Seems like gov often only looks at timber value. Can we not be more area based for providing food and resources for the areas they come from? Everything on our islands of Haida Gwaii is shipped off raw or whole. We have to import our lumber from somewhere else meanwhile they ship away800,000m3 annually which equals up to 19,000 logging truck loads depending on truck size.

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When speaking of Traditional knowledge. What are the expectation and how is the knowledge going to be interpreted in to policies, laws and legislation? All 200+ Nations in BC have their own traditional laws for each territory in terms of resources harvesting and human behavior.

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Modernized emergency management legislation

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Modernized emergency management legislation

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Welcome to the information hub for the repeal and replacement of the Emergency Program Act (EPA). You'll find updates related to the legislative process and how government is working to modernize emergency management in British Columbia.

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Overview

The intention of the IFS program is to address existing gaps in supporting Indigenous agriculture and food projects while reviving indigenous traditional food systems, processing and resource management strategies that provides greater quantities and improved quality of foods in a sustainable way that promotes community health and lasting positive socio-economic impacts.

Eligible applicants will have access to two (2) funding streams to support progress through the stages of planning and implementation of their agriculture and food project. This will ensure approved applicants have financial support throughout the lifecycle of their Food Security project whether the project is in development stage or implementation stage.

The IFS program is intended to be a 3-year initiative with new funding available in each of the next 3 years (ending December 2025) and is being funded by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food. All funding opportunities under the IFS will be administered by NRT and co-delivered by NRT and participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI's) in B.C. To read the news release announcing this funding initiative, please click here.

Program Objectives

The goals of the IFS Program:

Strengthen Indigenous food security and sovereignty over food systems and increase Indigenous participation in the agriculture and food sector.

Reduce barriers for First Nations and Indigenous communities, organizations, and businesses in accessing funding and the scope of eligible expenses that can be supported.

Be a funding hub that is Indigenous-led and distinctions-based platform that provides streamlined, cooperative, and permissive access to support.

Empower a broader definition of food security initiatives to be inclusive of Indigenous traditional food systems that may not be accepted in the conventional or mainstream agriculture and food sector.

Indigenous employment creation, skills development and training in the agriculture and food sector.

Economic diversification and equity in the food systems space including opportunities for and in rural and remote communities.

Development and growth of Indigenous supply chain participation, and procurement opportunities of Indigenous food products.

Support Indigenous applicants navigate, prepare for, adapt, and implement food security opportunities that revive the traditions and spiritual aspects of indigenous relationships between harvesting and processing food, the environment, and Indigenous communities.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must be based in B.C. and include:

First Nation communities (Indian Act, Self-government, or Treaty) or any of their departments or organizations under their authority or control (eg. Economic development corp, community school etc)

Tribal Councils

Métis Nation Chartered Communities

Indigenous led not for profit organizations that supports programs primarily for the benefit of Indigenous peoples and where it can be demonstrated that decisions and directions of the organizations are being made by Indigenous peoples at the highest governance level (i.e. at least 51% decision making power)

Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in food production or processing, including for profit or social enterprise, cooperative or other similar body where applicant or majority indigenous ownership (at least 51%) can validate their indigenous ancestry or affiliation (status card, Métis citizenship card) or other method of validating a clear and authentic connection to their Indigenous heritage

Funding Streams

Applicants can apply or will be placed in one of the funding streams below:

Stream 1 (funding cap: $150,000): provides funding for activities and costs associated with the planning and design phase of a food security project.

Eligible expenses include (not an all-inclusive list) feasibility studies and assessments, business planning, permaculture design, food production strategies, site analysis, community engagement, agriculture & food training etc.

Stream 2 (funding cap: $250,000): provides funding for activities and costs associated with the implementation of a food security project.

Eligible expenses include (not an all-inclusive list) start-up costs, capital contribution for construction, retrofits, equipment, community greenhouses, processing technologies, food cold storage, smoker/dehydration, freeze drying technologies, water infrastructure solutions, marketing, composting solutions, and other acquisitions to support the project and skills, training and capacity development directly related to food security project launch etc.

Applicant Criteria

Grants for certain projects will not be a stand-alone source of funds as applicants must be willing and able to pay a portion of the costs of the project.

Approved applicants can only have one funded project at a time.

Applicants that receive Stream 1 funding and successfully complete their project will be prioritized for Stream 2 funding upon receipt of a new application.

Businesses/entrepreneurs must have a minimum 51% Indigenous ownership structure with the underlying indigenous ownership and control being in proportion to the amount of equity invested in the business.

On Reserve projects may require evidence of support or land-use approval from the appropriate governing body or organization with that authority.

Intake Frequency

The IFS will have a continuous intake and approval process during the annual application intake periods identified below.

Please note that the annual intake and approval process will end the earlier of the intake closing date or when the annual funding available has been exhausted.

List of Participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions

The list below identifies the Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI's) in B.C. that will be supporting the delivery of the IFS grants. The NRT in its application process will be referring certain applicants to an AFI for further screening and approval.

Contact Us

The IFS staff encourage potential applicants to reach out if you have questions, require assistance, or wish to discuss your food security initiative opportunity prior to submitting an application.

Please contact us at the email address below and we will respond as soon as we can within 5 business days.

By Email: FS@nrtf.ca

How to Apply

Download, review and complete the Grant Application Below.

If you have questions or want to discuss a potential project, please contact us at FS@nrtf.ca and we will arrange a time to connect with you.

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The intention of the IFS program is to address existing gaps in supporting Indigenous agriculture and food projects while reviving indigenous traditional food systems...

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Pathways to Cooperative Community Wildfire Response with First Nations Phase 1 Research Report Impacts from wildfires are growing in British Columbia (BC) and First Nations communities have long been calling to be partners and leaders in wildfire response. Recognizing this need, the Cooperative Community Wildfire Response Project (“the CCWR project”) was initiated in September 2022 to explore the existing capacities and potential cooperative opportunities for First Nations and agencies in wildfi

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Are there any emergency measures being out in place to stop further harm to our earth and atmosphere? Deforestation has a direct bearing on all of the things we are talking about and yet they continue to clearcut forests, including old growth that is irreplaceable. It will effect us all.

Where do we learn about how and what BC and Canada is doing in reducing the climate crisis?

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What is your perspective of health and wellness?

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What is your perspective of health and wellness?

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I think FNHA should have been a part of this conversation for health and wellness, they're a big part of Mental health, medical travel, treatment centers, grief and loss treatment centers for all First nations communities.

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The Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) was developed to assess and improve program performance so that the Federal government can achieve better results. A PART review helps identify a program’s strengths and weaknesses to inform funding and management decisions aimed at making the program more effective. The PART therefore looks at all factors that affect and reflect program performance including program purpose and design; performance measurement, evaluations, and strategic planning; program management; and program results. Because the PART includes a consistent series of analytical questions, it allows programs to show improvements over time, and allows comparisons between similar programs.

We need a mechanism like this to understand rhyme and reason.

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Deforestation effects all living things and their habitat, the water systems, the temperature of the air, our salmon rivers. We need a paradigm shift immediately in forestry and treat it as the emergency it is. Old growth logging is still happening at an alarming rate on Haida Gwaii and in BC.

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The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding streams intended to enhance the resilience of local governments, First Nations and communities in responding to emergencies and to reduce risks from future disasters due to natural hazards and climate-related risks.

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IRSSS trauma throughout the communities is huge. On top of this we have generations that are seeing such drastic changes in the land and climate - need to care for our health and wellness, go out on the land, be able to heal. When you evacuate an Elder it is different than evacuating anyone else, there's lots of considerations that need to be made - it's more than just people there's a spiritual and social connection to everything we do. When we make emergency plans, there's more to it than the typical considerations. From a wellness perspective - our Nations are searching for answers too and how to help Mother Earth.

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BC Urban, Rural and Northern Housing Strategy, 2022

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BC Urban, Rural and Northern Housing Strategy, 2022

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On January 26, 2022, AHMA released the British Columbia’s first Indigenous community-led Provincial Urban, Rural and Northern Housing Strategy.

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Shaming each other - we should be helping each other. Could there be a seminar about a proven and successful practice on how to deal with these issues?

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why is the message not reaching the grassroots people who are experiencing the pain or reality of what's going on for our mental health within our communities. (low attendance at a MH&W forum). Covid has impacted the way our people gather and talk to each other - is this a MH&W issue? Something changed our people dramatically.

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What We Heard about the Discussion Paper

Government has prepared a What We Heard Report that summarizes the feedback on the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Discussion Paper from public engagement.

This What We Heard Report summarizes key themes captured during the engagement process between January 25 and March 18, 2022. Over 1,500 submissions were received from across the province from individual citizens, members of environmental organizations, representatives from other levels of government, business and industry including forestry, agriculture, mining and energy, partnership organizations, water suppliers, academia, professional organizations and health care fields.

A separate report is being prepared to summarize feedback received through webinars and meetings with Indigenous peoples.

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What is this engagement about? The Province of British Columbia concluded engagement on an Intentions Paper for the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund on April 17, 2023. The Intentions Paper was the mid-way point in the development of the Strategy and built on what was heard during the first period...

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What We Heard about the Discussion Paper

Government has prepared a What We Heard Report that summarizes the feedback on the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Discussion Paper from public engagement.

This What We Heard Report summarizes key themes captured during the engagement process between January 25 and March 18, 2022. Over 1,500 submissions were received from across the province from individual citizens, members of environmental organizations, representatives from other levels of government, business and industry including forestry, agriculture, mining and energy, partnership organizations, water suppliers, academia, professional organizations and health care fields.

A separate report is being prepared to summarize feedback received through webinars and meetings with Indigenous peoples.

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What is this engagement about? The Province of British Columbia concluded engagement on an Intentions Paper for the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund on April 17, 2023. The Intentions Paper was the mid-way point in the development of the Strategy and built on what was heard during the first period...

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ClimateReadyBC is a "one-stop-shop" for information and resources to reduce disaster and climate risks.

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This page is part of the Hazard Maps and Tools section in the ClimateReadyBC site. It includes information on floods in B.C., how B.C. is taking action, hazard maps and tools, funding opportunities, and case studies.

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Pulling all survey data together for several computer models that are needed to create the floodplain mapping. (Of course, if Nations approve to share data through a data agreement). Preparing climate data (temperature and precipitation) to run the watershed or hydrology models, specifically the expected future climate that is influenced by climate change.
Developing computer models that simulate the actual flow of the flood water through the rivers and floodplains (hydraulic models), and ones that simulate the waves that cause flooding in the coastal areas (coastal models). Assessing the geomorphic hazards that can affect flooding, for example changes in river courses (such as recently occurred on known Rivers); potential landslides; and increased sediment in the rivers due to retreating glaciers, with exposed sediments moving into and filling river beds.Note: The Provincial website "Floodplain Maps by region" only list a few rivers. Also, currently the information, for example; Coastal Floodplain Mapping - Guidelines and Specifications - Final Report" is dated June 2011. Updated Reports is necessary to identify costal flood hazards to provide a truthful technical basis for Land use planning and developing floodplain bylaws.It is important for communities, whom are responsible for making decisions about local floodplain development in terms of developing floodplain maps including an estimation of Flood Construction and engineering of these development projects to adapt to changes in water and climate.

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Resources for children and families where ever there are not clear Provincial & Federal Gov't funding. Relevant for other climate issues too.

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To find out who's covered under Jordan's Principle, visit Who is covered.

Available 24 hours, 7 days a week

On this page

Updates on Jordan's Principle

Jordan's Principle External Appeals Committee

From January to March 2021, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) issued a call for proposals to seek services from professionals in the health, social and education fields to review appeals and issue recommendations as part of the new Jordan's Principle External Appeals Committee. The call is now closed. Thank you to all those who expressed an interest. ISC will communicate the results of the process to those who applied once the evaluation of the proposals is finished.

Other updates on Jordan's Principle

Under Jordan's Principle we are ensuring that First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them, while we work with First Nations partners, provinces and territories to develop long-term approaches to help better address the unique needs of First Nations children.

On September 29, 2021, the federal court upheld orders by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal regarding eligibility under Jordan's Principle and compensation. The Government of Canada did not appeal the orders about Jordan's Principle eligibility for products and services.

This means that First Nations families can continue to access Jordan's Principle under the same eligibility criteria that has been in place since November 25, 2020. To find out more, visit:

To learn more about the latest federal court decision on child and family services and Jordan's Principle, or about other related decisions, consult:

Learn more about the agreements-in-principle related to the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan's Principle:

About Jordan's Principle

Jordan's Principle makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have.

Jordan's Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. He was a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba.

Requests for Inuit children can be made through the Inuit Child First Initiative.

Helping First Nations children

Text alternative: Helping First Nations children

Between July 2016 and August 31, 2023, more than 3.55 million products, services and supports were approved under Jordan's Principle. These included:

speech therapy

educational supports

medical equipment

mental health services

and more

A legal rule

In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) determined the Government of Canada's approach to services for First Nations children was discriminatory. One way we are addressing this is through a renewed approach to Jordan's Principle.

Since the ruling, the CHRT has issued a number of follow-up orders about Jordan's Principle. In May 2017, the CHRT ordered that the needs of each individual child must be considered, to ensure the following is taken into account under Jordan's Principle:

This means giving extra help when it is needed so First Nations children have an equal chance to thrive.

What we are doing

We are supporting children who need help right away and are making long-term changes for the future, such as through reforming child and family services.

For the long-term, we are working to build better structures and funding models. These will make sure First Nations children living in Canada get the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. To do this, we are working closely with:

provinces

territories

First Nations partners

service organizations

Since 2016, the Government has committed $3.5 billion toward meeting the needs of First Nations children through Jordan's Principle.

Local service coordinators have been hired in communities across Canada. They can help families who:

have questions about Jordan's Principle

would like to submit a request for products, services or supports under Jordan's Principle

We fund these coordinators, who are staffed by:

local tribal councils

First Nations communities

regional health authorities

First Nations non-governmental organizations, etc.

We also have staff across the country dedicated full-time to Jordan's Principle. They work closely with the local coordinators to make sure all requests are processed as quickly as possible.

Related links

Thank you for your feedback

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Jordan's Principle makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs.

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The Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline should be used to report wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk.

The RAPP program is a toll free tip line and online service that also allows you to report known or suspected violations of fisheries, wildlife, or environmental protection laws.

Available 24/7, RAPP is simple, safe and effective.

It is based on the principle that someone other than the criminal has information that can solve the crime.

The RAPP hotline should also be used to report human-wildlife conflicts where public safety may be at risk.

How Can I Help?

Remember, never confront or attempt to apprehend a suspect. Environmental violations to report include:

Illegal waste disposal, such as household or business waste and waste dumped on Crown Land

Unlawful open burning, such as burning prohibited materials or burning when or where prohibited

The discharge of chemicals or sewage to lakes or rivers

Damage to fish or wildlife habitat

Exceeding the daily bag or catch limit

Use of illegal hunting or fishing gear

Fishing or hunting out of season or in closed areas

Unauthorized collection or sale of fish and wildlife or their parts

What to Record

Your observations should be recorded in note form as soon as possible. Where possible include:

Description of suspect(s), including, number of people, name, sex, race, age, height/weight, eye colour, hair, hair colour and style, facial hair, physical attributes such as tattoos or scars, clothing, accent and mannerisms.

Details of violation, including, date, time, location, type of violation, suspects actions and comments, type of hunting or fishing gear and other equipment used

Transport involved, including vehicle or vessel number, province or state, make, model, year, colour and distinctive features such as damage, stripes or customizing

Witnesses, including name, address and phone number for each

How to Report

Call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network. If the situation is not an emergency, report the incident online or contact the nearest Conservation Officer Service district office.

For fisheries violations related to salmon, contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) at 1-800-465-4336. You can also contact your local RCMP detachment or municipal police.

Your Report Can Make a Difference

With accurate reporting, emergency call centre staff will quickly relay your information to the nearest available Conservation Officer. Accurate and timely violation reports reduce conservation officer response time and increase the likelihood of apprehension and successful prosecution.

In addition to minimizing any damage caused by poachers and polluters, you can help prevent violations before they even occur. The watchful eyes of responsible and informed resource users are a powerful deterrent to potential violators.

Penalties

As one example of the types of penalties violators are subject to, provisions in the Wildlife Act allow for a poachers hunting licence to be cancelled for up to 30 years, following conviction.

A poacher may also be subject to a fine and/or imprisonment, which could be:

Up to $25,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment for the majority of offences under the Wildlife Act

Up to $50,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment for offences that could harm the wildlife resource or that reflect serious unethical practices related to illegal hunting or trapping

$1,000 to $100,000 and/or 1 year imprisonment for offences related to the illegal trade in live wildlife or killing endangered species

Rewards

The BC Wildlife Federation pays rewards up to $2,000 for information leading to the conviction of persons who have violated laws related to the protection of fish, wildlife, or the environment, or damaged the property of companies or individuals who provide access to hunters and anglers.

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Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP)

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The Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) program is a toll free tip-line and web-based service that allows you to report known or suspected violations of fisheries, wildlife, or environmental protection laws - anonymously and without risk of confronting the offender.

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There's a link to the engagement work toward the BC Flood Strategy under the riverine flooding tab here...

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CBM - ICBCM Toolkit - One Pager - English - Feb 2024

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Pulling all survey data together for several computer models that are needed to create the floodplain mapping. (Of course, if Nations approve to share data through a data agreement)

Preparing climate data (temperature and precipitation) to run the watershed or hydrology models, specifically the expected future climate that is influenced by climate change.

Developing computer models that simulate the actual flow of the flood water through the rivers and floodplains (hydraulic models), and ones that simulate the waves that cause flooding in the coastal areas (coastal models).

Assessing the geomorphic hazards that can affect flooding, for example changes in river courses (such as recently occurred on known Rivers); potential landslides; and increased sediment in the rivers due to retreating glaciers, with exposed sediments moving into and filling river beds.

Note: The Provincial website "Floodplain Maps by region" only list a few rivers. Also, currently the information, for example; Coastal Floodplain Mapping - Guidelines and Specifications - Final Report" is dated June 2011. Updated Reports is necessary to identify costal flood hazards to provide a truthful technical basis for Land use planning and developing floodplain bylaws.

It is important for communities, whom are responsible for making decisions about local floodplain development in terms of developing floodplain maps including an estimation of Flood Construction and engineering of these development projects to adapt to changes in water and climate.

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Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Data Sources

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Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Data Sources

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Provincial ambient water quality monitoring

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Physical, chemical and biological information is obtained biannually from a wide variety of B.C. lakes to determine current water quality status and to understand long-term trends

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Contact the Wildfire Land-Based Recovery (WLBR) team!

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Contact the Wildfire Land-Based Recovery (WLBR) team!

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WildfireLandBasedRecovery@gov.bc.ca

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The Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) is working with the BC Lung Foundation to host the DIY Air Cleaner Project, a community-based initiative that teaches community leaders and members how to build simple devices that improve indoor air quality.

The project team has refined the research on DIY effectiveness into a simple Step-by-Step guide with images that allow people to learn how to make their own units. The materials used to make the DIY Air Cleaners are easy to access through local hardware or big-box-type stores. Over the summer of 2023, the BC Lung Foundation, along with the City of Vancouver, Vancity, and SFU's Community Engagement Fund have provided funding to purchase the materials for free workshops with people who are at greater risk from air pollution. Workshops are being hosted for older adults, people on a limited budget, and those living with lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis.
Resources: Infographic Safety & Consideration OEH Seminar Check out the instructional videos here: Short Video Full Video
It is important to note that DIY Air Cleaners are designed only to clean air. Although they use fans, they do not help with cooling and are not a solution for Extreme heat events. For more information on extreme heat, please visit the BC CDC's Preparing for Extreme Heat Resource page.

For more information on DIY Air Cleaners or if you would like to be involved, contact us at: info@bclung.ca or call 604-731-5864.

Project lead: Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol

Collaborators: Dr. Vahid Hosseini (SFU, School of Sustainable Energy Engineering), Dr. Menn Biagtan, Dr. Noah Quastel

Researchers: Prem Gundarah, Jenny Huang, Tatiana Parrish, Ravneet Mundi and Elahe Koushkestani
Poor indoor air quality can occur year-round, directly impacted by outdoor exposures such as fire smoke, traffic-related air pollution, road dust, and pollens. Other important indoor air pollutants include dust mites, mold, bacteria, and viruses. As the global temperature continues to rise and climate change increases, indoor air quality is at greater risk. Cleaning indoor air is one of the most direct ways to improve indoor air quality. While air purifiers are available commercially, they are often expensive and quantities can be scarce during intense fire seasons. PIPPS and the BC Lung Foundation have teamed up to provide a low-cost solution that helps improve indoor air for hard-hit communities and those most at risk. The devices being built are easy to construct and use simple materials that can be locally accessed. The air cleaning capacity of DIY cleaners rivals those of commercial units but at a significantly lower cost. There are many different variations of DIY Air Cleaners. This project selected a simple 1x1 design using evidence drawn from a rigorous review of DIY research conducted by the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health (NCCEH). These units have been assessed by safety professionals and participants are provided with Safer Use instructions to take home with them. The smaller 1x1 design is optimal for people living in smaller spaces. These units are easier to transport, due to their light weight and smaller build, although larger units are also straightforward to construct and may be more appropriate for larger spaces. The DIY Air Cleaners are not meant to be a long-term solution for poor indoor air quality, but they offer a solution for people seeking respite from wildfire smoke or for when respiratory pathogens are on the rise.

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The Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) is working with the BC Lung Foundation to host the DIY Air Cleaner Project, a community-based initiative that teaches community leaders and members how to build simple devices that improve indoor air quality.

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Heather Stober - heather.stober@gov.bc.ca

EMBCDisasterMtigation@gov.bc.ca

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Funding - Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Adaptation 

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Funding - Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Adaptation 

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The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund provides funding to First Nations to prepare for and reduce risks from hazards. The Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Adaptation Funding stream provides up to $150,000 per applicant for risk assessment, planning and non-structural activities, and up to $5 million per applicant for structural mitigation projects.

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The intent of the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation (DRR-CA) funding stream is to support eligible applicants to reduce risks from future disasters due to natural hazards and climate-related risks through the development and implementation of:

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MoH to have an Indigenous Circle Group discussion before solidifying funding specific to Climate Resilience

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Chu Cho Environmental

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Environment and Climate Change Funding List

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Environment and Climate Change Funding List

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We offer funding through various Grants and Contributions programs. Eligible groups, organizations and individuals can apply for support of projects that protect or conserve our natural environment.

For more information consult our list of programs below and refer to our service standards.

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Environment and Climate Change Canada funding programs

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Environment Canada offers funding through various Grants and Contributions programs.

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What is the Health Ministry's Influence?

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What is the Health Ministry's Influence?

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We need to create some good dialogue for our health and well-being. Right now we're not there, the dialogue isn't happening where it should be.

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Canadian Drought Monitor - agriculture.canada.ca

(Bella Coola and Williams Lake already in D2 - Severe Drought conditions!)

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The Canadian Drought Monitor (CDM) is Canada's official source for the monitoring and reporting of drought in Canada. From this page you can access a variety of monthly products and information about current drought conditions across the country.

Drought conditions as of January 31, 2024

Description - Legend

The map above shows the extent and severity of drought conditions across Canada. The scale used runs from D0 Abnormally dry to D4 Exceptional drought.

Additional resources

Current drought conditions
View a map of current drought conditions and accompanying narrative describing the drought conditions in each region of Canada.

Drought analysis
Visualize drought across Canada using a number of analysis tools including animations, side by side map comparisons, and change maps.

Historic drought maps and data (Open Data)
Browse through historic drought data and downloadable monthly maps showing the extent and intensity of drought across Canada.

Canadian Drought Outlook
Forecasted drought severity and extent.

About the Canadian Drought Monitor

The Canadian Drought Monitor (CDM) uses a variety of federal, provincial, and regional data sources to establish a single drought rating based on a five category system. These ratings are shared through monthly maps that show the extent and intensity of drought across Canada. Tracking drought across the country is challenging, as there are varying definitions and indicators used to measure and define its extent and severity. The CDM overcomes these challenges by combining multiple indicators and impacts, and through consultations with federal, provincial, regional, and academic scientists.
Background
Since 2002 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has been the lead agency responsible for providing monthly assessments of drought for Canada that feed directly into the North American Drought Monitor, a cooperative effort between drought experts in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The North American Drought Monitor (NADM) is based on the methodology of the highly successful United States Drought Monitor, and as such, has been developed to provide an ongoing comprehensive and integrated assessment of drought throughout all three countries in North America.

A number of provincial and federal organizations are consulted to produce the CDM, in addition to ongoing communication with international partners. In the United States, partners include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) and the National Drought Mitigation Centre. In Mexico, partners include the National Meteorological Service of Mexico (in Spanish only) ( Servicio Meteorológico Nacional - SMN) which operates the Mexico Drought Monitor (in Spanish only).
Data sources
Drought is a "creeping phenomenon" - difficult to define and measure, slow to develop, continuous, cumulative, and long lasting. There is no universally applicable tool for measuring drought; as impacts are non-structural, spread over large areas, and best described by multiple indices.

To address the challenges of monitoring drought in a comprehensive way, the CDM is developed from an assortment of sources, such as: various precipitation and temperature indicators, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index satellite imagery, streamflow values, Palmer Drought Index, Standardized Precipitation Index; as well as drought indicators used by the agriculture, forestry, and water management sectors. Drought-prone regions are analyzed based on precipitation, temperature, drought model index maps, and climate data; and are interpreted by federal, provincial, and academic scientists. Once a consensus is reached, a monthly map showing drought designations for Canada is produced and used by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to assess the current drought risk to agriculture.

Drought categories are based on precipitation percentiles that generally relate to the statistical return period.

D0 - Abnormally Dry

1 in 3 year event

D1- Moderate Drought

1 in 5 year event

D2 - Severe Drought

1 in 10 year event

D3 - Extreme Drought

1 in 20 year event

D4 - Exceptional Drought

1 in 50 year event

The CDM uses a five category system to define the severity, spatial extent, and impacts of drought. Drought classes in the CDM range from D0 to D4, with D0 indicating abnormally dry conditions, and D1 to D4 indicating moderate to exceptional drought. Each category is based on the percentile chance of those conditions occurring. An exceptional drought (D4) for example, represents conditions that historically only appear less than two years in one hundred. Currently the spatial extent of the CDM maps encompasses these five categories across all of Canada except Nunavut and the Arctic Archipelago.

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dw-gs drought watch;spatial extent and intensity of drought;drought monitor

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The Canadian Drought Monitor (CDM) is Canada's official source for the monitoring and reporting of drought in Canada. From this page you can access a variety of monthly products and information about current drought conditions across the country. Description - Legend The map above shows the extent and severity of drought conditions across Canada.

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We need to be the ones doing the management - we've done this for generations. Took care of safety, food sources, understory, we could see when people were coming, etc. Taking fire off the land was probably the biggest detriment that the government has done.

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Experienced a cedar tree shaking and it calling for them, drummed and sang to the tree. Seeing more of this as the environment is calling for us - importance of ceremony and listening to the environment

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Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the program, you must be:

non-profit housing societies, housing co-ops, and municipal housing authorities that aren't governed by or have an agreement with BC Housing;

organizations that haven't received other AC unit rebates and don't currently have an AC unit installed; and,

a housing type that falls within one of the following categories:

Multi-unit residential building, such as a condominium, high-rise or apartment.

Commercial group home or single-family dwelling that provides housing and supportive care.

Side-by-side duplex or side-by-side row townhouses.

How to apply

1. Review the Terms and Conditions [PDF, 82 KB] and then complete and submit this application form [PDF, 79 KB]:

Via email to socialhousing@bchydro.com, or

By mail
Energy Management, Social Housing Operations
333 Dunsmuir Street, 5th floor
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5R3

2. If your application is approved, you'll receive an acceptance package with information on next steps.

3. Purchase and install the eligible AC units.

4. Submit your paid invoice within three months of purchase. Your invoice must (1) be dated on or after the acceptance package date, (2) show a $0 balance, and (3) specify the make and model number of all units purchased.

You'll receive your rebate within 90 days.

Air conditioner offer for Indigenous communities

If you're part of an Indigenous community, please check back for details on an offer for your community.

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Air conditioner offer for non-profit housing

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To be eligible for the program, you must be: non-profit housing societies, housing co-ops, and municipal housing authorities that aren't governed by or have an agreement with BC Housing; organizations that haven't received other AC unit rebates and don't currently have an AC unit installed; and, a housing type that falls within one of the following categories: Multi-unit residential building, such as a condominium, high-rise or apartment.

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This program provides funding for long-term climate monitoring projects in Indigenous communities.

Budget 2017 announced $6 million per year in contribution funding for 10 years, starting in 2018.

On this page

About the program

This program provides funding to support Indigenous peoples in the design, implementation or expansion of long-term community-based climate monitoring projects. Specifically, the program supports community-led projects to monitor climate and the environmental effects of climate change on communities and traditional territories. The program also facilitates access to tools and best practices, enhances collaboration and coordination among initiatives and supports Indigenous participation in program oversight.

Examples of eligible activities for funding include:

community engagement

developing a monitoring plan

hiring and training of community members to work on the project

rental or purchase of monitoring equipment

monitoring key climate indicators

assessing and managing Indigenous knowledge and science-based data

communicating climate monitoring results

networking

The information gathered through community-based climate monitoring initiatives can be used to inform Indigenous community adaptation actions and address climate data gaps.

These initiatives also provide local skill development and employment opportunities for youth and others and promote knowledge transfer between generations.

Consult the list of projects funded for more information about the kind of projects the program supports:

How to apply

Contact us to find out about ongoing funding opportunities for Inuit and Métis.

The program's Call for expressions of interest for First Nations projects for the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year is now closed. It is anticipated that the program will launch its next funding opportunity for First Nations in fall 2023 for projects beginning in spring 2024.

Contact us

By email at aadnc.surveillanceclimat-climatemonitoring.aandc@canada.ca or via the Public Enquiries Contact Centre.

Related links

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This program was developed in response to needs that the National Indigenous Organizations identified through engagement on the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The program provides funding to support Indigenous communities in the development and implementation of community-based climate monitoring projects.

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Before the Shuswap Lake fire, some of us were out harvesting devil's club used for arthritis and other uses. The Shuswap Lake area is usually a wet belt type area and usually the soil is quite moist/lush. We went to one area that's by a creek and usually it's pretty moist but the devil club leaves were quite yellow and small - mom said that wasn't good, we can't harvest here. There are significant changes happening on the ground that affects the foods, medicines, animals. It's really important to understand that when we're talking about the health and impacts to our people.

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Disaster Risk Reduction Funding Dashboard

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This dashboard displays information about disaster risk reduction funding programs managed by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. This does not include wildfire risk reduction projects.

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ClimateReadyBC is a "one-stop-shop" for information and resources to reduce disaster and climate risks.

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This page is part of the Hazard Maps and Tools section in the ClimateReadyBC site. It includes information on floods in B.C., how B.C. is taking action, hazard maps and tools, funding opportunities, and case studies.

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What We Heard Report - Changes to the Wildfire Act

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What We Heard Report - Changes to the Wildfire Act

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IRSSS Impacts - preparing grounds for unmarked graves. Impact mental health. Tragedy of overdoses and toxic drug crisis. Need to think about the generations that follow the survivors - needs more attention

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BC Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food

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BC Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food

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B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF)

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The purpose of IACAF is to create a platform for the ministry and members to work together to enhance the equitable participation of Indigenous peoples in the agriculture and food sector and support the realization of their food security, food sovereignty and economic development objectives.

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https://indigenousclimatemonitoring.ca/

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Welcome to the Indigenous Climate Monitoring Toolkit

Guidance, good practices, and resources for Indigenous communities.

This Toolkit was developed to support Indigenous Peoples in Canada with planning, implementing, or expanding community-based climate monitoring projects. It provides convenient access to tools, good practices, and examples of projects from across the country as inspiration. The Toolkit supports a range of approaches to monitoring climate and climate impacts including Indigenous Knowledge Systems, science, and co-production of knowledge using many ways of knowing.

How to Use the Toolkit

The toolkit has three main sections:

To learn more about who created this toolkit see the About Us page.

What is Indigenous Community-Based Monitoring of Climate Change?

Indigenous Peoples closely observed nature for millennia. Indigenous Knowledge provides place-based, integrated, and unique knowledge and insights into changing conditions and is a crucial part of Indigenous climate monitoring initiatives. Community-based monitoring involves watching, listening, recording, learning, and understanding changes in the environment and community. Indigenous community-based monitoring is led by Indigenous Peoples for the benefit of their nation and communities. Learn more.

This Toolkit was developed as a guide to support learning and capacity-building. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, the website creators do not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. They are not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

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Home - Indigenous Climate Monitoring Toolkit

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This Indigenous Climate Monitoring Toolkit offers guidance, good practices, and resources for Indigenous communities.

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FNHA We All Take Care of the Harvest seafood and climate change 

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FNHA We All Take Care of the Harvest seafood and climate change 

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Next Seasonal Reflections workshop in June

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​About this Project

We All Take Care of the Harvest (WATCH) is an FNHA pilot project that addresses seafood safety, security and sovereignty in the context of climate change. The purpose of the project is to help coastal communities and their members decide if and when their seafood is safe to harvest.

WATCH aims to:

help communities access timely safety information about seafoods and harvest areas

enhance the ability of communities to plan for and manage climate impacts that affect seafoods

promote seafood security and sovereignty for coastal First Nations

Join W​ATCH!​

We are looking for coastal communities and community members to become involved. If you would like to participate, please contact the WATCH Project (in Environmental Public Health Services).​

There are three ways to participate in the WATCH Project:

As a Pilot Com​​munity - As a pilot c​ommunity, you would work to co-design seafood and climate research with help from FNHA and BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) staff. You would develop tools, plans, communication materials and a monitoring program that supports community members in knowing whether their seafood is safe to harvest and eat.

As an Ad​​visor - As an advisor, you would contribute your knowledge about seafood or the marine environment, and would share and learn with the project team. You would participate in monthly meetings and in the June WATCH gathering.

As a Memb​er of the Community of Practice - As a member of the Community of Practice, you would receive quarterly WATCH newsletters and an invitation to participate in the June WATCH gathering.

Project Backg​round

WATCH was created in response to concerns that were raised by communities at a seafood safety workshop in 2016. The Marine Biotoxin Workshop was held by the FNHA, the BC Centre for Disease Control and the BC government.

The focus of the workshop was a long-lasting phytoplankton bloom that appeared off the coast of BC in 2015. The bloom produced domoic acid, a neurotoxin that causes Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). The toxin accumulated in shellfish as well as plankton-eating fish, such as anchovies and sardines, and made its way through the food chain into other seafood such as crabs, marine mammals and birds. At the time, much of the West Coast was closed to shellfish harvesting.

At the workshop, First Nations community members identified a number of concerns. The most critical of these was the need to know when and if shellfish were safe to harvest. (For a complete archive of this workshop, see Marine Biotoxin Workshop on the BCCDC website.)

Project Ph​​ases

WATCH is comprised of two overlapping phases - a Planning Phase and a Monitoring Phase.

The Planning Phase (ending March 2022) will include:

information sharing and gathering activities designed to deepen our understanding of the factors that influence seafood safety and are expected to shift with a changing climate

​the development of mapping and other tools, risk management and climate adaptation plans, as well as communication products to support safety and health-related decision-making

The Monitoring Phase (ending March 2023) will include:

the creation of programs that monitor plankton and detect biotoxins at or near harvest areas

Project Approach and​​ Partners

WATCH is a Pilo​​t Project

WATCH is an exploratory project to develop and fine-tune an approach to a seafood and climate change that all coastal First Nations can adapt for their own purposes. Communities will therefore be involved in developing the approach, both in the Planning Phase, as well as in the Monitoring Phase.

WATCH is a Net​work

At the core of the WATCH Project is a Project Team, supported by a First Nations Advisory Team and External Advisory Team. To broaden the reach of the project, the WATCH Network includes two Communities of Practice.

The Project Team will include First Nations community representatives (for example, community-based coordinators, champions, researchers and monitors from two to four communities), supported by FNHA and BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) staff as well as dietary and plankton expert consultants

The First Nations Advisory Team will include advisors selected by the Project Team from interested Indigenous fisheries and aquatic organizations and Guardian programs.

The External Advisory Team will include advisors recruited by the Project Team - subject matter experts in climate, shellfish, biotoxin, and so on, regulators, representatives of monitoring programs and commercial and aquaculture industries

The Network Community of Practice will include members of all teams and others who indicate interest

The Monitoring Community of Practice is a technical group to help facilitate monitoring activities and expand monitoring programs into other communities

WATCH is Communi​ty Driven

Although funding associated with WATCH requires a focus on biotoxins in shellfish, toxigenic phytoplankton, and the dynamic environmental factors influencing these (sea surface temperature, for example), WATCH is not restricted to these. The project will identify and work to address other seafood and climate issues of importance to participating First Nations communities.

WATCH is a Project of FNHA's Environm​​ental Public Health Services

WATCH is a project of FNHA's Environmental Public Health Services (EPHS) and is closely related to EPHS' Food Safety, Environmental Contaminants and Climate Change and Health Adaptation programs as well as the Local Environmental Observer (LEO) Network.

WATCH P​​a​rtners

WATCH was developed in partnership with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). It is funded by Health Canada HealthADAPT program and the Public Health Agency of Canada's Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund.

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We All Take Care of the Harvest (WATCH) is an FNHA pilot project that addresses seafood safety, security and sovereignty in the context of climate change. The purpose of the project is to help coastal communities and their members decide if and when their seafood is safe to harvest.

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Extreme weather events - impacts of Covid-19 and trauma

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Planned and active prescribed fire projects within BC.

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Here, information on climate action programs, funding, resources, events, blog posts, and a member forum to discuss climate action projects, experiences etc. can be found.

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Canadians will be affected to some extent by the impacts associated with climate change such as rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns and changes in other weather events (depending on the region). However, it is expected that Indigenous communities will experience the impacts of climate change in ways that most non-Indigenous Canadians will not, due to a heavy reliance on the environment, their locations, their economic situations. Indigenous peoples in particular, similar to other natural-resource dependent communities around the world, depend on the environment for subsistence, maintenance of culture, and other important aspects of their livelihoods.

Throughout history, Indigenous peoples have maintained a strong connection with the environment; a connection that is integral to the survival of their physical, social, economic, cultural and spiritual ways of life. Due to this historical and cultural connection, climate change effects will disrupt Indigenous people more severely than other citizens. Although there is much diversity among Indigenous communities in terms of language and culture, there is a fundamental recognition between them of the critical importance of a clean and healthy environment. Since their ways of life are so closely tied to the land, Indigenous peoples must protect it.

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Dani Chilton, Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw

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Arabelle Sauvé Environmental Technologist, Kahnawake Environmental Protection Office, QC

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Developed by Indigenous peoples for Indigenous peoples, the IndigenousClimateHub.ca provides access to climate change resources tools for Indigenous peoples to monitor and adapt to our ever changing climate. The platform also acts as a hub for Indigenous climate change leaders working on similar issues to come together and build from each others knowledge and experiences.

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ClimateReadyBC - Drought and Water Scarcity

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ClimateReadyBC - Drought and Water Scarcity

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ClimateReadyBC is a "one-stop-shop" for information and resources to reduce disaster and climate risks.

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This page is part of the Hazard Maps and Tools section in the ClimateReadyBC site. It includes information on drought and water scarcity in B.C., how B.C. is taking action, hazard maps and tools, funding opportunities, and case studies.

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Wildfire has historically been a natural event that shapes ecosystems in B.C. While lower intensity wildfires can improve forest health, reduce future wildfire intensity and support water quality, habitat, recreational and industrial opportunities, select wildfires can have detrimental impacts to our lands and ecosystems.

Government's Wildfire Land-Based Recovery process is intended to reduce the negative impacts of select wildfires. Some of these impacts may include:

Increased risk to public safety due to geohazard events such as debris floods, debris flows, landslides, and floods because of changes to the soil and the loss of vegetation

Degraded water quality from the introduction of ash and sediments into streams and bodies of water

Plant community and biodiversity loss which can result in invasive species establishment

Damage to the soil by the intense heat associated with high intensity wildfires

Loss or damage of aquatic and terrestrial habitats

Recreational opportunities being affected and visual quality loss

Impacted cultural heritage values

Reductions in timber value and economic opportunities

The government has historically, and will continue to assess all wildfires for potential intervention opportunities that will support our lands and ecosystems. Natural resource professionals, First Nations, and partners filter wildfires to determine which wildfires may qualify for additional wildfire recovery planning. Selected wildfires will have a focused assessment of immediate impacts as well as forecasted impacts of the wildfire on public safety and resource values. Focused assessment allows us to determine whether monitoring or intervention is required to support the recovery of the area to either a pre-fire condition or a desired future state condition. Ongoing research and partnerships promote continuous learning opportunities as we enter a period of time where the occurrence and frequency of wildfires is predicted to increase in British Columbia.

Three areas of work
Post wildfire hazard risk analysis

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Wildfire land-based recovery is a phase of emergency management where steps are taken to recover native ecosystems and repair infrastructure affected by wildfires and, or wildfire suppression activities. Recovering an area affected by wildfire aims to improve the sustainability and resiliency of the landscape and to reduce vulnerability and future negative impacts by wildfire.

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Is BC in a drought?

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ClimateReadyBC is a "one-stop-shop" for information and resources to reduce disaster and climate risks.

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This page is part of the Hazard Maps and Tools section in the ClimateReadyBC site. It includes information on extreme heat in B.C., how B.C. is taking action, hazard maps and tools, funding opportunities, and case studies.

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The First Nation Adapt program supports community-led climate change adaptation projects. The program has an ongoing project intake process, meaning we accept and review proposals on an ongoing basis until funding is fully allocated for the year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact adaptation@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

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During the coronavirus outbreak, some communities may not be in a position to submit a proposal to access funding. This program provides funding to First Nation communities located below the 60th parallel to assess and respond to climate change impacts on community infrastructure and disaster risk reduction.

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Cultural and Prescribed Fire 2023 summary report

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Cultural and Prescribed Fire 2023 summary report

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Boothroyd Indian Band Cultural Burn Case Study - Part 1

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EMCR Policy 5.14 on Extreme Weather https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/policies/514_policy_provincial_support_for_extremeweather_emergencies.pdf

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Lytton Lot 47 Prescribed Fire Case Study

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Here's the link to the River Forecast Centre - models, forecasts and public advisories on flood hazard

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The River Forecast Centre (RFC) monitors, analyzes and models streamflow conditions across British Columbia by applying scientific knowledge, methodologies, techniques and models in conjunction with snow survey, weather and streamflow data

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Wildfire Land Based Recovery - draft strategy

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Wildfire Land Based Recovery - draft strategy

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Some information here on flood risk reduction and the voices heard in earlier engagement.

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Skip to main content

Here you will find information on preparing for heat events and what to know about the different types of heat alerts.

Translated content: Français (French) | 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese) | 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese) | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)

Heat events, also known as heatwaves, are a series of days that are hotter than normal temperatures for the region. As the climate changes, heat events will become more frequent, longer, and hotter in British Columbia.

Heat events can affect anyone's health, but extreme heat can pose a very high risk of severe illness for some people if they do not have access to a cool indoor environment. Heat can build up indoors when the outdoor temperatures are climbing every day, and the situation can become dangerous. The longer the heat lasts, the more dangerous it becomes.

Indoor heat can be dangerous, especially if the temperatures stay over 31C for long periods. If you are at risk and it gets very hot in your home during extreme heat events, plan to go somewhere cooler during an extreme heat emergency if possible.

On this page

Understanding heat alerts

There are two types of heat alerts in B.C. These heat alerts come from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

This means daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than usual, but they are not getting hotter every day. Take the usual steps to stay cool.

Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than usual, and they are getting hotter every day. Activate your emergency plan.

Some people are at greater risk:

Seniors aged 65 years or older

People who live alone or who are socially isolated

People with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety

People with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease

People who have a disability

People with limited mobility

People with cognitive impairment

People with substance use disorders

People who do not have access to adequate housing

People who work in hot environments (such as kitchens, or outside)

Pregnant people

Infants and young children

Prepare for the upcoming conditions before the heat starts.

Identify a cooler space in your home and prepare it so you can stay there at night, if possible. You may need to change daily living arrangements.

Find an air-conditioned spot close by where you can cool off on very hot days. Consider staying with friends or family or find places in your community to spend time such as movie theatres, libraries, community centres, or shopping malls.

Check that you have a working fan. If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works.

Install awnings, shutters, blinds, or curtains over your windows to keep the sun out during the day.

Practice opening doors and windows to move cool air in at night and shutting windows during the day to prevent hot outdoor air from coming inside.

Get a digital room thermometer to keep with you so you know when your home is getting too hot.

Think of people you know who may be more susceptible to heat and develop a buddy system.

Check in with your hot weather buddy often, especially in the evening when indoor temperatures are highest. It is also good to check early morning, to see how your buddy has managed through the night.

If your home is cooler, invite those who are at highest risk to stay with you.

If you take regular medications, drugs, or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness so you can identify problems early on. Severe headache, confusion, unsteadiness, loss of thirst, nausea/vomiting, and dark urine or no urine are signs of dangerous heat-related illness.

Check on people at higher risk in-person to evaluate their health and the temperature indoors. If you cannot check in-person, ask them to tell you what it says on their thermostat or indoor thermometer.

Encourage those who may not know they are at higher risk to take cool baths, sleep in the coolest room, or stay with friends.

If you have air conditioning and higher risk members of your family do not, bring them to your house.

Never leave children, dependent adults, or pets alone in a parked car, leaving windows open will not help.

If you do not have air conditioning, find somewhere with air conditioning especially if you are at increased risk. Spend time in cooler indoor spaces in the community like shopping centres or libraries.

Sleep in the coolest room of the house, even if that is not your bedroom. Sleeping in the basement or outside will provide relief to the body overnight, if possible. Set that space up for comfort, being sure you have water to drink and easy access to a toilet.

Open windows and doors when the outdoor temperature goes down below the indoor temperature at night.

Shut windows and close shutters, curtains, or blinds in the morning to keep cooler air in and to keep the sun out. Leaving windows open during the day lets the hot air indoors.

Make meals that don't need to be cooked in an oven.

Protect yourself from the sun by staying in the shade, avoiding direct sun mid-day, wearing a hat and protective clothing, using sunscreen, and wearing UV-protective eyewear.

Seek cooler, breezier areas when outdoors, such as large parks with water features and lots of trees.

Important: If you are experiencing extreme heat during an air quality advisory, prioritize cooling down. Heat is typically more dangerous than short-term exposure to poor air quality.

If you cannot access air conditioning and/or a cool room, consider:

wearing a damp shawl or shirt

sitting in a cool or tepid bath to draw heat from the body into the water

taking a cool shower

using a damp sheet at night

putting an ice tray in front of a fan

using a personal mister or spray bottle

Important: While fans can help you feel more comfortable, they do not work to lower body temperature for older people at temperatures over 35C.

The following tips can help you manage your health during a heat event.

Drink lots of water, even if you do not feel thirsty, especially during warm nights. Pay attention to the amount and colour of your urine. Dark yellow urine is a sign of dangerous dehydration.

Lower your activity level and avoid intense activity. It takes time for your body to adapt to heat. If you need to do errands, do them when it is cooler outside, early or late in the day.

Watch out for severe headache, confusion, unsteadiness, loss of thirst, nausea/vomiting -- they are signs of dangerous heat-related illness.

If you are experiencing heat-related illness, take immediate action to cool down and call for help if needed. Dangerous heat-related illness is a medical emergency.

Children are not always able to recognize how heat events can affect them. Ensure they stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Apply sunscreen throughout the day; wear hats, sunglasses, and light-weight clothing in breathable materials.

Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (approximately 3pm).

Seek shade, air-conditioned spaces such as community centres or libraries, splash pads, waterparks or pools.

Pregnant people can be more vulnerable to heat exhaustion or heat stroke than the general public, particularly if they have other health concerns (such as obesity, kidney disease, or heart issues). They have to work harder to cool themselves and their baby down.

Lower blood pressure is common, particularly in early pregnancy. Warm conditions bring blood to the skin to get ride of excess heat which can potentially make blood pressure even lower. This can cause headaches, feeling light-headed or even fainting.

Many experience Braxton Hicks contractions in pregnancy and dehydration can make these worse. Hot weather may also cause preterm birth. Anyone who experiences more Braxton Hicks-type uterine activity than usual should be checked by their health-care provider.

Drink plenty of water, find ways to stay cool, and avoid increased physical activity during hot weather.

Take immediate action to start cooling down if you or the people you care for show signs of heat-related illness.

Severe heat illness and heat stroke are medical emergencies. Call 9-1-1 if you are caring for someone with signs or symptoms of severe heat-related illness.

Severe nausea and vomiting

Fainting or loss of consciousness

Confusion or disorientation

Difficulty speaking

Movement and coordination problems

Lethargic

Not sweating

Hot, flushed skin or very pale skin

Not urinating or very little urinating

Rapid breathing and faint, rapid heart rate

Body temperature >39°C (102°F)

While waiting for help to arrive, cool the person by:

Moving them to a cool place, if you can;

Removing excess clothing.

Applying cold water, wet towels or ice packs around the body, especially the neck, armpits, and groin

Headache

Nausea

Weakness

Irritability

Light-headed or dizziness

Disorientation

Thirst or dry mouth

Difficulty swallowing

Fatigue, malaise

Heat rash, heat edema or heat cramps

Decreased urine output

Increased heart rate

Skin feels very warm and sweaty

Body temperature over 38°C (100°F)

Contact a healthcare provider or call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 if you are unsure. Mild to moderate heat illness can quickly become severe. If symptoms get worse, call 9-1-1.

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Here you will find information on preparing for heat events and what to know about the different types of heat alerts.

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BC HARS http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Health-Environment/Provincial-Heat-Alerting-Response-System.pdf

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Changes to the Wildfire Act related to cultural and prescribed fire

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Changes to the Wildfire Act related to cultural and prescribed fire

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Information available in: ASL | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Français | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | فارسی | 한국어 | Español | عربى | Tiếng Việt

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Disaster Risk Reduction Funding - ICF Feb 2024

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Engagement on Emergency Preparedness Strategy for Food Security (Ministry of Agriculture and Food Mandate Direction)

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Engagement on Emergency Preparedness Strategy for Food Security (Ministry of Agriculture and Food Mandate Direction)

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Opportunity for more discussion @ 2:30pm Sharing Circle on Food Security and Emergency Management facilitated by Preparing Our Home

To get involved or learn more, email: foodsecure.af@gov.bc.ca

Current phase of engagement is focussed on listening and learning, and building relationships with First Nations and Indigenous peoples, to support development of a strategy and action plan in 2025.

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Modernized disaster mitigation funding updated

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Indigenous Food Security Grants - next intake opens May 1st! Up to $150K for planning and design and up to $250K for implementation!

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Indigenous Food Security Grants - next intake opens May 1st! Up to $150K for planning and design and up to $250K for implementation!

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Food Security and Sovereignty - New Relationship Trust

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Overview

The intention of the IFS program is to address existing gaps in supporting Indigenous agriculture and food projects while reviving indigenous traditional food systems, processing and resource management strategies that provides greater quantities and improved quality of foods in a sustainable way that promotes community health and lasting positive socio-economic impacts.

Eligible applicants will have access to two (2) funding streams to support progress through the stages of planning and implementation of their agriculture and food project. This will ensure approved applicants have financial support throughout the lifecycle of their Food Security project whether the project is in development stage or implementation stage.

The IFS program is intended to be a 3-year initiative with new funding available in each of the next 3 years (ending December 2025) and is being funded by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food. All funding opportunities under the IFS will be administered by NRT and co-delivered by NRT and participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI's) in B.C. To read the news release announcing this funding initiative, please click here.

Program Objectives

The goals of the IFS Program:

Strengthen Indigenous food security and sovereignty over food systems and increase Indigenous participation in the agriculture and food sector.

Reduce barriers for First Nations and Indigenous communities, organizations, and businesses in accessing funding and the scope of eligible expenses that can be supported.

Be a funding hub that is Indigenous-led and distinctions-based platform that provides streamlined, cooperative, and permissive access to support.

Empower a broader definition of food security initiatives to be inclusive of Indigenous traditional food systems that may not be accepted in the conventional or mainstream agriculture and food sector.

Indigenous employment creation, skills development and training in the agriculture and food sector.

Economic diversification and equity in the food systems space including opportunities for and in rural and remote communities.

Development and growth of Indigenous supply chain participation, and procurement opportunities of Indigenous food products.

Support Indigenous applicants navigate, prepare for, adapt, and implement food security opportunities that revive the traditions and spiritual aspects of indigenous relationships between harvesting and processing food, the environment, and Indigenous communities.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must be based in B.C. and include:

First Nation communities (Indian Act, Self-government, or Treaty) or any of their departments or organizations under their authority or control (eg. Economic development corp, community school etc)

Tribal Councils

Métis Nation Chartered Communities

Indigenous led not for profit organizations that supports programs primarily for the benefit of Indigenous peoples and where it can be demonstrated that decisions and directions of the organizations are being made by Indigenous peoples at the highest governance level (i.e. at least 51% decision making power)

Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in food production or processing, including for profit or social enterprise, cooperative or other similar body where applicant or majority indigenous ownership (at least 51%) can validate their indigenous ancestry or affiliation (status card, Métis citizenship card) or other method of validating a clear and authentic connection to their Indigenous heritage

Funding Streams

Applicants can apply or will be placed in one of the funding streams below:

Stream 1 (funding cap: $150,000): provides funding for activities and costs associated with the planning and design phase of a food security project.

Eligible expenses include (not an all-inclusive list) feasibility studies and assessments, business planning, permaculture design, food production strategies, site analysis, community engagement, agriculture & food training etc.

Stream 2 (funding cap: $250,000): provides funding for activities and costs associated with the implementation of a food security project.

Eligible expenses include (not an all-inclusive list) start-up costs, capital contribution for construction, retrofits, equipment, community greenhouses, processing technologies, food cold storage, smoker/dehydration, freeze drying technologies, water infrastructure solutions, marketing, composting solutions, and other acquisitions to support the project and skills, training and capacity development directly related to food security project launch etc.

Applicant Criteria

Grants for certain projects will not be a stand-alone source of funds as applicants must be willing and able to pay a portion of the costs of the project.

Approved applicants can only have one funded project at a time.

Applicants that receive Stream 1 funding and successfully complete their project will be prioritized for Stream 2 funding upon receipt of a new application.

Businesses/entrepreneurs must have a minimum 51% Indigenous ownership structure with the underlying indigenous ownership and control being in proportion to the amount of equity invested in the business.

On Reserve projects may require evidence of support or land-use approval from the appropriate governing body or organization with that authority.

Intake Frequency

The IFS will have a continuous intake and approval process during the annual application intake periods identified below.

Please note that the annual intake and approval process will end the earlier of the intake closing date or when the annual funding available has been exhausted.

List of Participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions

The list below identifies the Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI's) in B.C. that will be supporting the delivery of the IFS grants. The NRT in its application process will be referring certain applicants to an AFI for further screening and approval.

Contact Us

The IFS staff encourage potential applicants to reach out if you have questions, require assistance, or wish to discuss your food security initiative opportunity prior to submitting an application.

Please contact us at the email address below and we will respond as soon as we can within 5 business days.

By Email: FS@nrtf.ca

How to Apply

Download, review and complete the Grant Application Below.

If you have questions or want to discuss a potential project, please contact us at FS@nrtf.ca and we will arrange a time to connect with you.

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The intention of the IFS program is to address existing gaps in supporting Indigenous agriculture and food projects while reviving indigenous traditional food systems...

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Ministry of Agriculture and Food Funding Programs for the Seafood Sector

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Ministry of Agriculture and Food Funding Programs for the Seafood Sector

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Funding Programs for the BC Seafood Sector- updated-Feb 02, 2024

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Ocean Decade Collaborative Center for the Northeast Pacific Region

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BC Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Action Plan

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Community Climate Funding - Government of British Columbia

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Spurred on by a $100,000 grant from the CleanBC Building Innovation Fund, the City of Fort St. John is constructing a new net-zero-ready home for the community's RCMP detachment. The building will use significantly less energy than the current station and bring substantial cost savings and emissions reductions to the community. It features locally sourced mass timber, a solar-ready roof, energy-efficient HVAC systems and a thermal performance-maximizing envelope.

A fully-electric vehicle has replaced a gas-guzzling security van in the Coquitlam School District's fleet, thanks to funding provided through the CleanBC Go Electric program. Emissions from the fleet are one of the main contributors to the School District's carbon footprint and the van - the most-used vehicle in the fleet - was a major source of those emissions. Driven more than 200 kilometres each day and using 7,700 litres of gas each year, it produced more than 18,300 kilograms of greenhouse gases annually. The new electric vehicle runs completely on B.C.'s clean electricity, charges quickly and efficiently, and can travel 260 kilometres on a single charge.

Through a combination of federal and provincial support, the City of Kamloops completed a $13.5 million project to upgrade the energy efficiency of its Canada Games Aquatic Centre. The project started with a need to replace the centre's critical ageing infrastructure. But - thanks to provincial and federal funding - it turned into an opportunity to simultaneously improve the environmental performance of the building. Bolstered by more than $1.1 million from the provincial government through the CleanBC Communities Fund and $1.37 million from the federal government, the city was able to install a heat-recovery system that uses the heat that evaporates off the pool to warm the new air entering the building. This reduces the centre's reliance on natural gas and lowers its greenhouse gas emissions - taking Kamloops one important step closer to meeting its climate goals.

With a $500,000 boost from the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program, the City of New Westminster is creating the Agnes Greenway, a 1.2 kilometre mixed-use transportation corridor that will link Douglas College and the city's residential neighbourhood to the Pattullo Bridge. The Agnes Greenway will mean safe walking, wheeling and biking between key locations, with a separated two-way lane for cyclists, improved sidewalks for pedestrians, and new greenspaces with stormwater infrastructure, trees and benches. A second phase of the project will extend the path to the New Westminster SkyTrain station and the city's waterfront.

A $500,000 grant from Forestry Innovation Investment's Mass Timber Demonstration Program is helping build one of the first zero-emissions mass timber buildings in Canada. The District of Saanich's new fire station - slated for completion in 2023 - will feature a steel and timber post-and-beam system with a cross-laminated timber roof, all topped off with solar panels. The station will showcase innovative uses of B.C. wood and serve as a template for how mass timber can be used in a building designed to withstand emergencies - all while meeting ambitious environmental targets.

Through funding from CleanBC's Community Energy Leadership Program, the District of Summerland added heat pumps to their wastewater treatment plant (their most energy-intensive major facility) and reduced their energy use by almost 800 gigajoules annually.

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BC Community Climate Funding Guide for Indigenous communities & local governments An all-in-one guide of funding opportunities for climate action projects in your community. You spoke, we listened We have heard loud and clear that finding the right funding can be a challenge.

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The intent of the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation (DRR-CA) funding stream is to support eligible applicants to reduce risks from future disasters due to natural hazards and climate-related risks through the development and implementation of:

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The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding streams intended to enhance the resilience of local governments, First Nations and communities in responding to emergencies and to reduce risks from future disasters due to natural hazards and climate-related risks.