Why Equity Must Be at the Core of Emergency Response Planning in BC

As natural disasters in British Columbia become more frequent and severe—from wildfires and floods to extreme heat—it’s more important than ever that our emergency response planning is not just fast and efficient, but also equitable.

An equity lens helps ensure that the most vulnerable populations—Indigenous communities, low-income households, older adults, people with disabilities, and newcomers—are not left behind in times of crisis. These groups often face systemic barriers that limit access to critical resources, information, and support before, during, and after emergencies.

Without intentional inclusion, emergency plans risk reinforcing the very inequities that make some communities more susceptible to harm in the first place. Using an equity lens means:

• Engaging diverse communities in preparedness planning,

• Ensuring culturally appropriate communication and supports,

• Allocating resources based on need, not just geography,

• And embedding long-term resilience strategies that tackle root causes of vulnerability.

As leaders and practitioners in public health, emergency management, and community development, we have a responsibility to design systems that protect everyone—not just the majority. Equity isn’t an add-on; it’s the foundation of a truly effective and just emergency response.

Now is the time to centre equity in all our resilience strategies—because in a province as diverse as BC, safety for all must mean planning with all.

#EmergencyPreparedness #Equity #DisasterResponse #BCWildfires #ClimateResilience #CommunityHealth #InclusivePlanning #LeadershipForChange