VICTORIA B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, issued the following statement on the ongoing wildfires wreaking havoc across British Columbia. 14,000 British Columbians had been evacuated from their homes as of Monday night.

“I am deeply concerned that so many British Columbians are facing such a serious threat to their safety,” Weaver said. “I urge residents to adhere to evacuation orders and alerts and to follow the direction of officials.

“Yesterday, an official from the B.C. division of the Red Cross stated that disasters are occurring more frequently. Sadly, as the effects of climate change take hold, events like the wildfires displacing so many British Columbians are becoming increasingly common. 2016 was the warmest year on record, and 2015 and 2014 were the second and third warmest. Science is clear that as global temperatures rise, the incidence of extreme weather events is increasing.

“The most important thing right now is ensuring that the communities affected by the fires have all the resources they need. Moving forward, the B.C. Green caucus will champion policies that will mitigate the risks of a changing climate to ensure that British Columbians and their homes are protected.”

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Media contact

Jillian Oliver, Press Secretary

+1 778-650-0597 | jillian.oliver@bcgreens.ca