National

Volunteer search and rescue leaders allege mistreatment by B.C. government

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 09 Jan, 2024 04:37 PM

The former head of the B.C. Search and Rescue Association says the group's volunteer personnel have been bullied, threatened and disrespected by the province's Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

Dwight Yochim, the association's former CEO who was let go last week, and several other current and former search and rescue team leaders say the province has been ignoring "pressing safety issues," while leaving them in the dark about important policy decisions.

In a joint letter to Premier David Eby, the rescue leaders say there is "institutionalized bullying" of volunteers and a lack of consultation, including about new equipment that could improve safety and save lives.

The letter says the ministry changed the framework of the government's relationship with volunteer search and rescue teams — 78 in all — making it no longer a "partnership."

Yochim says the situation between the association and the ministry has become "toxic," partly due to the government's opposition to their group's advocacy work on behalf of search and rescue volunteers.

Eby told an unrelated news conference that search and rescue volunteers need support, especially during the winter months, and his government is reaching out to address the teams' concerns.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Trudeau eyes Indo-Pacific trade deals to avoid China aim to 'play us off each other'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada's rocky relations with China have stabilized, while telling business leaders in Singapore that Ottawa has committed to a timeline for trade deals with the region. Trudeau is undertaking a weeklong visit to Indonesia, Singapore and India with a focus on shoring up trade in a region Ottawa sees as key to counteracting coercive economic moves by China.

Trudeau eyes Indo-Pacific trade deals to avoid China aim to 'play us off each other'

Changes to minimum tax to add $2.6 billion over five years for feds: PBO

The parliamentary budget officer says the federal government's proposed changes to the alternative minimum tax will generate an additional $2.6 billion in revenue over five years. The tax aims to ensure high-income earners and trusts don't pay disproportionately less in taxes than other taxpayers.

Changes to minimum tax to add $2.6 billion over five years for feds: PBO

Federal prediction says parts of Canada could see wildfires through winter

The latest federal government forecast says Canada's already unprecedented 2023 wildfire season could continue late into the fall or winter. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says there is potential for increased wildland fire activity from eastern Alberta through to central Ontario at least until the end of this month, while fires in B.C. and the Northwest Territories will continue to smoulder.

Federal prediction says parts of Canada could see wildfires through winter

Derelict boats removal in Surrey

The City of Surrey says it will be removing derelict boats from the Nicomekl River this month. The city says boats have been illegally mooring on a narrow section of the river, dumping raw sewage and garbage into the water, and creating hazards for other boaters.

Derelict boats removal in Surrey

Police return emotional support rabbit that ran loose in Vancouver SkyTrain station

A rabbit that hopped the tracks at a downtown Vancouver transit station was reunited with its owner after efforts by passengers and police. Metro Vancouver Transit Police say the bunny was running loose last Thursday at the Granville SkyTrain station when a passenger picked it up and handed it to officers patrolling the underground stop.

Police return emotional support rabbit that ran loose in Vancouver SkyTrain station

Private donation helps attract teachers to rural B.C. with $10,000 cash welcome gifts

A rural school district in the British Columbia Interior has filled a shortfall of teachers with help from an anonymous benefactor who donated $200,000 to welcome new educators. At a time when schools across the province are struggling with staff recruitment and retention, the Gold Trail School District offered $10,000 incentives to attract new teachers, and $15,000 for those who agreed to move to the small town of Lytton which was devastated by fire two years ago.