Over the last two years, British Columbians have been faced with a global pandemic, forest fires, a heat wave, and disastrous flooding that has harmed communities across our province and damaged critical infrastructure. According to a Calgary Chamber of Commerce report, 43 per cent of businesses affected by natural disasters never re-open, and of those that do, 29 per cent fail within two years. As we have seen, it is critically important that businesses, government and communities work together to safeguard our infrastructure, protect people and businesses and act to adapt our emergency preparedness strategies.

Resilient businesses are important because of one simple truth: disasters are costly. This event will emphasise and explore the critical need for proper preparation and planning should a natural disaster occur. We will explore the risks in our region and provide the insights necessary to build a more prepared business community and thus a more resilient economy.

Speakers include some of the top experts on the subject from government, emergency planning, insurance and business backgrounds.

Keynote:

The Honourable Mike Farnworth
Deputy Premier, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, House Leader
MLA of Port Coquitlam
Province of British Columbia