July 11th, 2023 – BC Government News

To ensure that the life-saving work of Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) groups and their volunteers are there when people need help in the backcountry, the Province is providing nearly $6 million in annual funding.

GSAR groups provide critical support to agencies, such as police and BC Emergency Health Services. This is the second year of this annual funding agreement between the Province and the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA), which is the only agreement of its kind in Canada. Prior to this agreement, the Province provided more than $33 million in grants to BCSARA over six years.

“B.C.’s search and rescue groups are made up of hard-working and dedicated volunteers who provide critical services to people in B.C.,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “We’re proud to support search and rescue groups, including those helping with on-the-ground wildfire evacuations, by continuing to provide sustainable funding through this first-of-its-kind agreement.”

Read the full article at news.gov.bc.ca.