BC Legislature pays tribute to Province's Search and Rescue workers

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice paid tribute to the provinces
SAR members past and present on Monday

The British Columbia Legislature took a few moments on Monday to pay tribute to the work of the many members of Provincial Search and Rescue organizations, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue and the PEP Air Service who lost their lives in the service of their province,  or who have made a significant contribution to Search and Rescue efforts in the province.

The commemoration of that work came through a presentation to the Legislature from Jennifer Rice, the Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness who spoke to the topic in the afternoon session.

Her comments of Monday were delivered on the 50th anniversary of the tragic loss of four emergency Air members Reginald Hunt, Alfred Hunt, Norman Wilson and Victor Hanuse — who died when their plane crashed during a search mission near Alert Bay in March 1970.

In her presentation, taking place on the day that has been set aside as Search and Rescue Volunteer Memorial Day, the North Coast MLA made note of the special talents and commitment to the province that those in the Search and Rescue field bring every day, 24 hours a day.

"Search and rescue volunteers selflessly leave their homes and families to save others, no matter the weather, no matter the time. They don't hesitate to jump into action to save neighbours and strangers alike. 

Whether there is an avalanche, a forest fire, a flood or a myriad of other dangerous situations, our search and rescue volunteers are always ready to answer the call. 

 It's clear that search and rescue volunteers in British Columbia are among the best in the world, and the province is committed to supporting their invaluable work."

Ms. Rice also made note of the investment that the government has made towards the efforts of Search and Rescue groups around BC, you can review her entire presentation to the Legislature below.



In the Prince Rupert area there are two Search and Rescue organizations in place ready to respond whenever the call is made

Prince Rupert Ground Search and Rescue

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 64


Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue groups are also located at Lax Kw'alaams, Kitkatla, Hartley Bay and on Haida Gwaii


For more notes on the work of Search and Rescue groups in the Northwest see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.