“The BC Volunteer Corps is a homegrown initiative that will empower motivated British Columbians to contribute to provincial public safety and emergency preparedness.”
Macklin McCall, Critic for Emergency Management & MLA for West Kelowna-Peachland
VICTORIA, BC: Conservative MLA Macklin McCall has introduced Bill M208 (The Emergency and Disaster Management Amendment Act, 2025) in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. This bill seeks to establish a province-wide volunteer coordination platform to support first responders across British Columbia during emergency and disaster response efforts. Bill M208 proposes the creation of the BC Volunteer Corps, a new provincial organisation with a mandate to recruit, train, and mobilise motivated volunteers in support of public safety and community resilience province-wide. “British Columbians always step up when disaster strikes,” said McCall. “This bill ensures they’re trained, supported, and organised; ready to serve their communities and support first responders when BC needs them most.” The bill directs the Minister of Emergency Management to establish a committee to support the development of the BC Volunteer Corps, which will serve as a centralised hub for volunteer opportunities, emergency response training, and partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses. Inspired by his own experience as a wildfire firefighter, RCMP officer, and Auxiliary Constable, McCall says the legislation is a practical, made-in-BC solution that will strengthen provincial autonomy and ensure communities are better prepared for the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and emergency events. “We need local hands, local knowledge, and homegrown solutions,” McCall added. “This is about empowering motivated British Columbians, building civic pride, and protecting our province together.”-30-
Media contact: Robert Eales, Communications Officer Robert.Eales@leg.bc.ca +1 (778) 967-2818