Avalanche Canada funding problem due to BC election

[nickinbc]

Despite B.C. NDP government promise, Avalanche Canada, the Revelstoke-based national avalanche forecasting and safety organization is left out in the cold with no funding commitment as record backcountry snow touring season looms.

Valade says the snap election call by the John Horgan government has put funding for the organization in question. Their existing grants are not guaranteed, and the grant-based funding means they receive funding news late into the season, potentially interrupting staffing levels.

Full article at https://www.revelstokemountaineer.co...election-call/

"the confirmed BC Government funding so far for this coming year is zero dollars. This means we are obligated to start planning for cost-cutting measures. We will be sure to inform our users of any cuts to programs."

https://mailchi.mp/avalanche/the-asp...s-october-news

[BCMtnHound]

This is right fucked. As soon as the writ is dropped, government stalls all but regular business. And any action, like awarding monies not already in the queue but promised by the previous govt is verboten (unfair political advantage during the election).
Fuck Horgan and his arrogance. Calling an election during the pandemic, even if in a non provincial state of emergency this would be perfect timing for a minority govt, is totally unacceptable.
I'm in a strong Socred/Lib riding so my individual vote matters little normally, but no NDP support from me this time, and up until there was a Green candidate available, I was just going to submit an empty ballot in protest. Fucking politicians

[XXX-er]

I'm pretty sure the NDP called the election cuz it was a very good time to do so, I would bet maybe they come up with some $ later

[nickinbc]

Yes, if the NDP return they almost certainly will come up with funding - EVENTUALLY (as will the Liberals or a coalition). That will probably have to wait for a new Minister to be appointed, find his way around his Ministry, work through all the most urgent issues that he is faced with, get pressured by a few MLAs, take the issue to the Premier and Finance Minister and get it agreed. That could easily take many months, which wouldn't matter if Avalanche Canada was flush with reserves...

[CSG]

In the meantime:

https://www.avalanche.ca/foundation/donate

(even in good years, private donations are key.. it shouldn't be that way but it is)

[~mikey b]

I was wondering why they posted this on FB



When there's no avalanche forecast available, the Dangerator can help you estimate the danger using weather data and field observations.



Find out more: https://www.avalanche.ca/dangerator