The Village of Haines Junction in Yukon is urging political parties contending for the next territorial government to commit to establishing an emergency preparedness fund. The proposal was put forth by the Association of Yukon Communities last year.
This fund would be accessible to all communities to cover costs related to emergency planning, volunteer coordination, and equipment procurement. According to Sydney Mackinnon, a village councillor, this issue is crucial for Haines Junction. Mackinnon emphasized that recent catastrophic fires in neighboring provinces have highlighted the community’s lack of preparedness.
The village faces wildfire risks due to a spruce beetle infestation that has left parts of the surrounding forest filled with dry, dead trees. A wildfire near the village in 2019 exposed discrepancies in residents’ emergency response preparedness.
Residents are acutely aware of the village’s vulnerability, with discussions about it being a common topic during the summer months. Michael Pealow, the president of the St. Elias Chamber of Commerce, expressed satisfaction that the village is giving priority to emergency planning.
Patty Moore, the head of the local seniors society, emphasized the need for a detailed evacuation plan, especially for the elderly population who may not have access to transportation or nearby relatives.
While the political parties have not explicitly committed to an emergency preparedness fund in their platforms, they have outlined other initiatives. The Liberal Party, led by Mike Pemberton, intends to continue the FireSmart program, establish a dedicated protective services department, provide equipment for firefighters, and collaborate with municipalities on evacuation planning.
Yukon NDP Leader Kate White supports funding community-led preparedness and emphasizes the importance of working with municipalities to develop and implement emergency plans. The party’s platform includes increasing wildland fire crews, upgrading fire bases, and hiring local personnel for emergency management.
The Yukon Party, under Leader Currie Dixon, aims to assist communities in accessing federal funding for emergency preparedness and stresses the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure. Their platform includes providing additional gear to firefighters and expanding Yukon First Nations Wildfire initiatives.