Liberal MLA and Emergency Management Office critic Ben Jessome will table bills in the legislature Tuesday, in an effort to help prepare Nova Scotia for disasters.

“Our community has dealt with unimaginable tragedy and loss this past year from the wildfire,” said Jessome. “Today’s bills reflect the work of the community to come up with
practical solutions the government can implement to help victims of wildfires and strengthen emergency preparedness for all Nova Scotians, now and in the future.”

They are pushing for amendments to the Assessment Act to make sure those impacted by emergencies like wildfires, floods and hurricanes, won’t lose their property tax assessment cap when restructuring their home.

The Liberals say the Emergency Preparedness Act would improve the province’s response to disasters by creating a specific fund to be used to purchase things like equipment and relief for victims.

In addition to that, the Emergency Access and Connector Roads Act would establish an infrastructure fund to help with emergency access and add connector roads in areas deemed high-risk.

Jessome says the bills are in response to community concerns after the devastating wildfires swept his riding in May of last year.