Dear President Mandewo,
Subject: Communication from British Columbia Emergency Management System
At the British Columbia School Trustees Association’s 2024 annual general meeting, our
members representing all 60 boards of education in B.C. passed the following resolution:
“That the BCSTA request Ministry of Education Child Care work with the Ministry of
Emergency Management and Climate Readiness to ensure that the British Columbia
Emergency Management System includes school districts in communications related to
evacuation orders and alerts.”
I am writing to inform you about a recent communication BCSTA sent to the Deputy Minister
Tara Richards of the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness regarding a
matter of significant concern to school districts across the province.
In our letter, BCSTA requested that the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate
Readiness work closely with the Ministry of Education and Child Care to ensure that school
districts are fully included in communications related to evacuation orders and alerts as part of
the British Columbia Emergency Management System.
This request stems from recent experiences during the forest fires, where several school
districts were not adequately informed about evacuation orders and alerts. Given that school
districts serve diverse communities, including multiple municipalities, regional district areas and
First Nations, timely and comprehensive communication is essential to safeguarding students,
staff and the broader community. Our membership believes that integrating school districts
more fully into Emergency Operations Center (EOC) discussions and ensuring they receive
timely information will significantly enhance our collective ability to respond effectively to
emergencies.
During meetings in May with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, it was suggested that
BCSTA make you aware of this request, as it involves not only school districts but also the
municipalities they serve. Your awareness and support of this initiative is vital as we work
towards a more coordinated and effective emergency management system across B.C.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with
you on issues that impact the safety and well-being of our communities.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association
[Sent September 5, 2024]