Kamloops, BC – October 4, 2023 – Following the announcement on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, by the Province of BC about the creation of the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies, the following statement has been issued by Scott Hildebrand, Chief Administrative Officer of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), who is one of 14 members named to the task force:
“I’m grateful to have been invited to this task force and feel it is important for the TNRD to be at the table to share our knowledge and experience on emergency events.
“As part of this task force, the TNRD will be sharing the perspective of what has been faced by thousands of Thompson-Nicola residents who have been directly impacted by recent emergency events, including destructive wildfire seasons in 2003, 2017, 2021, and 2023, the atmospheric river flooding in 2021, and other emergencies.
“Our Emergency Operations Centre staff are extremely knowledgeable, dedicated, and experienced, and this team has navigated many complex emergencies in recent years. Further, there is exceptional knowledge and experience amongst our Board of Directors. As the CAO of the regional district working directly with staff and the Board, I feel I am well-positioned to ensure the collective voices of the TNRD are heard.
“I am also very honoured to be working directly with Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Kukpi7 Lynn Kenoras-Duck of the Adams Lake Indian Band to continue building on the positive working relationships that we have established.
“The TNRD’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan identifies both Emergency Planning and Response as well as Relationships and Reconciliation as key priorities for our organization. The recommendations that come from this task force will contribute to progress in these important areas, both in our region and throughout the province.
“The TNRD is continually focused on ensuring the safety of residents during emergency events and advocating for improved resilience in our rural communities. I will do my best to represent the Thompson-Nicola region and our residents and to ensure that the Province of BC hears our views and perspectives.”
Media Contact:
Scott Hildebrand, Chief Administrative Officer
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250 377-7055
Email: shildebrand@tnrd.ca