Question Period Note: BC Floods – Red Cross Matching Program

To provide an update on BC Floods and work with the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) and BC on Matching Funds.

• As we know, over this past month, BC has endured catastrophic loss and damage due to floods. The Government is committed to ensuring the people of British Columbia, including those in remote and Indigenous communities, have the support and resources they need to deal with this challenging situation.

• Just last week, the Prime Minister announced that the federal and BC governments will both be matching each and every dollar raised by the Canadian Red Cross for their British Columbia Floods and Extreme Weather Appeal. This means that every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the floods. Funds donated will support a range of emergency services to meet both immediate and emerging needs of the people impacted by the floods.

• I am pleased to report that as of today the Red Cross had raised more than $15.5 million. That means at least $46.5 million will be available to help the people of British Columbia and that number continues to grow.

• In addition, the Government announced last week that we are standing up a committee of federal and provincial ministers to work together and with Indigenous leadership to ensure there remains dedicated support for both long and short term recovery.

• The Government of Canada is committed to be there to support BC and impacted residents and communities in their times of need now and in the future.

Matching Program:
The Prime Minister and the Premier also announced that the governments of Canada and British Columbia will match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross’ British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather Appeal, which means that every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the floods. Both governments will match individual and corporate donations for a period of 30 days starting today, November 26, 2021, and retroactively for donations received since November 17, 2021, when the campaign began.

Donated funds will support the range of emergency services the Canadian Red Cross is delivering to those in need, which could include providing cots, blankets, and clean-up kits to communities, upon request by the local authorities or government. In addition, donated funds will allow the Canadian Red Cross to continue to support evacuees, as they begin to recover in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Committee to address extreme weather and climate resilience in the BC:
• The new committee will build on the joint Federal / Provincial Supply Chain Recovery Working Group, which was announced on November 20, 2021.
• The co-chairs of the new committee are:
o The Hon. Bill Blair, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness
o The Hon. Mike Farnworth, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of British Columbia
• The remaining members of the new committee will be confirmed in the near future.
• The Canadian Red Cross is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world and stands ready to help people and communities before, during, and after a disaster. The Canadian Red Cross contributes to relief and recovery efforts in response to emergency events in Canada, including the 2021 wildfires in British Columbia and the COVID-19 pandemic.

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