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BC Search and Rescue groups plea for ‘sustainable funding’

BRITISH COLUMBIA (NEWS 1130) – BC Search and Rescue teams across the province are hopeful next year’s budget will include permanent funding for them.

Chris Mushumanski with the association, which represents more than 80 teams, says they need about $5 to $10-million in funding.

“A tiny fraction in terms of the overall budgets in the province but making a huge difference across the entire province, benefiting all 80 groups with their 2,500 volunteers who respond to over 1,600 call-outs a year,” he said.

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Mushumanski said they are optimistic that the new 2018-2019 provincial budget will include sustainable funding for the teams.

Funding given to SAR earlier this year was used for things such as training, personal protective equipment, rescue equipment, infrastructure such as rescue vehicles, and SAR prevention, Mushumanski said, but notes it will run out by March 2019.

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He said rescue groups have also felt the burden of tourism growth.

“Given that we are seeing tourism rise and we’re also hearing reports of budget surpluses, we think now it’s the time to really highlight the importance of sustainably funding the rescue groups across the province to ensure that we are able to meet the growing demand for our services.”

Mushumanski said they’re hopeful the government will listen.

-With files from Lasia Kretzel

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