The Government of Canada announced July 31 that it will be providing more than $4 million in federal funding to support those affected by February 10.
The funding is being directed to the community via Public Safety Canada. “Our thoughts remain with everyone continuing to navigate the aftermath of this tragedy,” says Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety. “While every person’s experience is different, we know that the impacts of such events can be felt long after they occur and that ongoing support is essential. This funding will help ensure individuals, families and community members affected by the tragedy have access to the services and assistance they need to support their well-being.”
The lion’s share of that—about $2.5 million—will go to the Canadian Red Cross to enable continued support to those impacted by this tragedy, as well as to respond to other priorities and needs as identified by the community.
This funding is being provided through the Canadian Red Cross’ Urgent Relief Efforts Contribution Program, which enables the Government of Canada to work with the Canadian Red Cross to help address the needs of Canadians affected by emergencies, disasters and other significant events.
Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO, Canadian Red Cross says the people of Tumbler Ridge continue to face the profound impacts of this tragedy, and recovery will take time. “We are grateful to the Government of Canada for this funding, which will help the Canadian Red Cross provide practical support, work alongside local partners, and respond to the evolving needs identified by the community.”
Another half a million is being provided to British Columbia’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The funding will support the province’s ongoing supports to the community by increasing victim service delivery capacity in Tumbler Ridge and surrounding communities, strengthening coordination, and improving preparedness for future large-scale incident response,” says the release. “These investments complement the Government of Canada’s broader efforts to support community safety and well-being in British Columbia.”
Through the Community Resilience Fund, the Government of Canada is providing an additional $1.15 million to Shift BC, a program led by the British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General that supports locally based service providers, families and communities to work together to prevent violence connected to hate and violent extremism.
“The Government of Canada stands with the community of Tumbler Ridge. We remain committed to working with the province, local authorities and community partners to help ensure support is available to those who need it.”
Since 2016, the Community Resilience Fund has supported frontline psychosocial intervention programs in six provinces, helping to strengthen Canada’s capacity to prevent and counter violent extremism. More than 1,000 individuals across Canada have accessed counselling and other interventions through these programs, including those delivered by SHIFT BC, which has received more than $10 million in federal funding.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
