The Village of Haines Junction in Yukon is urging political parties competing for the next territorial government to commit to establishing an emergency preparedness fund. This initiative was proposed by the Association of Yukon Communities last year. The fund would be accessible to all communities to cover costs related to emergency planning, volunteer coordination, and equipment procurement.
According to village councillor Sydney Mackinnon, emergency preparedness is a critical issue for Haines Junction, especially considering the recent devastating wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta. The village’s vulnerability to wildfires is exacerbated by a spruce beetle infestation that has left parts of the surrounding forest filled with dry, dead trees. A fire near the village in 2019 exposed a lack of community cohesion in responding to emergencies.
Residents have expressed concerns about the village’s susceptibility to disasters, with Michael Pealow, president of the St. Elias Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing emergency planning. Patty Moore, head of the local seniors society, highlighted the need for a comprehensive evacuation plan for the elderly population in the village.
While the political parties have not committed directly to an emergency preparedness fund in their platforms, they have made other pledges. Liberal leader Mike Pemberton emphasized the continuation of FireSmart initiatives, while Yukon NDP Leader Kate White advocated for funding community-led preparedness efforts. The Yukon Party, led by Currie Dixon, aims to assist communities in securing federal funding for emergency preparedness and enhancing climate resilience in infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Village of Haines Junction is actively working on an emergency plan and is hopeful that the incoming government will allocate funding for emergency preparedness to support vulnerable communities in need.
