Environment commissioner’s audit, IBC highlight need for severe weather plans

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Environment commissioner’s audit, IBC highlight need for severe weather plans

Both say climate change will cause more severe weather

Carine Abouseif with files from Canadian Press on May 31, 2016

As the wildfire continues to burn through great swaths of Alberta, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Julie Gelfand is warning that Ottawa better prepare to deal with the impact of other severe weather events.

Gelfand’s spring report issued Tuesday echoes  comments made by Insurance Bureau of Canada’s president and CEO Don Forgeron earlier this month. Forgeron told the press that the Northern Alberta catastrophe is just the most recent evidence that extreme weather disasters are getting worse and more frequent. He also highlighted that the federal government should be better prepared.

IBC’s VP Federal Affairs Craig Stewart said Tuesday, “The insurance industry firmly believes that climate change is a real and present danger costing government and Canadians. The reports make it clear that now is the time for action.” He also said a better approach would motivate Canadian homeowners to mitigate their own risks. This approach would also make “makes sure insurance is available and affordable to prepare for severe weather events that are now occurring more frequently.”

Gelfand’s report addressed several areas where the federal government is not prepared for these kinds of disasters. One part looked into federal floodplain maps which have not been properly updated in 20 years. Building codes have also not been taking climate change into account. Another part of the report looks into home codes that may not be strong enough to withstand extraordinary snowfalls.

The audit also noted that the government’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements relief fund has paid more over the last six years than it has since it began 39 years ago. The audit says that while $253 million in federal funding for three disaster mitigation funds has been offered by Ottawa since 2011-12, only $25 million has actually been paid out.

The IBC says the annual economic costs of disasters around the globe has multiplied by five since the 1980s. In Canada, that spending has risen from an average of $40 million a year in the 1970s to $100 million a year in ’90s.

“IBC is pleased that the federal government has agreed with all of the findings and recommendations in these reports,” said Stewart. “It once again shows their continued commitment to preparing Canada for the increase in severe weather events that stem from climate change. We look forward to furthering these discussions with governments across the country over the coming months.”

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Environment commissioner’s audit, IBC highlight need for severe weather plans