Inhaling smoke again?
Yes, we must deal with climate change, but unfortunately, not enough has changed when it comes to reducing or fighting wildfires.
In the past I have written several columns and provided ideas on wildfire prevention and fighting approaches in the north of our province.
Our government still does not seem to understand that the impact on our health and associated cost caused by wildfires is tremendous, while at the same time the damage to our economy is very high, because valuable timber is lost with the result that sawmills, and subsequently pulp mills, cannot survive with tumbling timber supply.
Our tourism industry takes a beating because by now it is known that we have wildfires polluting the air, and tourists stay away. The recently announced federal financial support for the lumber industry is welcome, but it does not mean that more timber will be available.
As long as the remaining timber basket in the northeast of our province remains untouched and export quotas decrease, our lumber industry will continue to suffer.
The fire “detection system” seems to work but we do not have sufficient resources to effectively fight fires. As is currently done, hiring summer students and training them as fire fighters can provide only limited success, although it is a good idea.
I am referring to the fires south of Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake.
Why are we not hiring professional firefighters, supported by volunteer firefighters, year-round not just in cities but also in regional districts, instead of not being able to contain the fires as soon as they are detected?
Further, it has been determined that more than 50 per cent of all fires can be traced back to human causes. More must be done about this.
Professional regional district firefighters could assist in winter with firefighting in other countries, for instance, or assist with other winter related issues, etc.
It comes down to ideas followed by action. Yes, to tackle these problems, more funds will have to be available to reduce pollution and protect forests and buildings.
Exactly here lies the problem with the high taxpayer-supported BC debt burden of $59.9 billion in 2022/23. What can be expected?
The growth of debt in subsequent years has been extraordinary.
This year, taxpayer-supported debt is forecasted to climb to $118.8 billion. In other words, in nominal terms, it will double in just three years.
This is a completely wrong approach, and it must be reversed.
Unless the government finally changes course and drastically slows the pace of debt accumulation, this number will continue to climb uncontrolled.
Albert Koehler, P.Eng., is a former Prince George city councillor.
