The B.C. Ombudsperson announced Thursday it is seeking public input that will provide key information for an investigation into how government programs supported people in Mission and elsewhere who were displaced from their homes and communities as a result of extreme weather in 2021.
Tens of thousands of people were displaced across the province as a result of wildfires and floods.
The Ombudsperson is investigating whether two provincial assistance programs - Emergency Support Services and Disaster Financial Assistance - were administered fairly to people who were impacted by long-term displacement.
Residents can fill out a questionnaire on a number of areas, including awareness and timeliness of programs, supports and services.
The investigation will consider whether the two government programs are responsive to the needs of residents.
Data from the questionnaire will be collected in an anonymized or statistical format and will not publicly identify individuals.
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Respondents will have the option of providing their name and contact information if they wish to speak with an Ombudsperson investigator about their experience. The questionnaire will be open to the public until December 31, 2022.
To participate in the questionnaire visit: https://bcombudsperson.ca/2021-fire-and-floods-questionnaire/
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chris.campbell@missioncityrecord.com
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