New law in memory of BC Carter Vig introduced to protect seniors and people with respiratory illnesses
On Monday, May 13, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Dawkson introduced Carter's Law in the BC Legislature.
Carter's Law, named after Carter Vig, a 100 Mile House young man who died last summer from an asthma attack caused by wildfire smoke, would amend B.C.'s Wildfire Act to ensure that wildfires caused by wildfires are not caused by the way they are managed. It aims to encourage governments to take health concerns into account.
“(Recently) we've had some incredibly high particulate levels in the air. The smoke can get so thick that many of us can't see the edge of our driveway,” Dawkson explained. “We know that Mr. Carter died from an irreversible asthma attack, which was caused in part by the wildfire smoke that was in the air that day.”
Dawkson said many people across B.C. have asthma and other health concerns that can be affected by wildfire smoke. He added that he has also received calls from elderly people complaining that they can't breathe. Some people put duct tape on their windows to keep out the smoke.
The Carter Act would focus on protecting vulnerable populations with respiratory illnesses. Dawkson said he encourages B.C. Wildfires to not let wildfires burn for long periods of time when they can be extinguished. He said it's important to somehow reduce the amount of smoke in the region, after some summers like 2023, when there were more than 200 fires in the state.
“The Carter Act is more than just a law. It proactively protects those most at risk – children and seniors – by prioritizing health considerations in the response to wildfire smoke. It's a promise to our community,” Dawkson explained. “This bill represents a heartfelt commitment to supporting improved air quality management and protecting public health during a devastating wildfire season.”
The entire Vee family watched from the gallery as Mr. Dawson introduced the bill. Carter's mother, Amber Vee, said the trip was a bit of a whirlwind for the family, as they toured parliament and met with BC United Leader Kevin Falcon and House Speaker Raj Chauhan, among others.
Vi said this law is just the latest in a list of amazing things happening in her son's name. She praised Mr. Dawkson for naming Mr. Carter on the amendment and highlighting Mr. Carter's story.
“Carter's story has gone this far and is changing lives in so many ways. It's incredible,” Vee said. “I am so proud of how much we have accomplished in the past 10 months and how Carter’s story has spread.”
Vig supports the bill's content. If anything, she sees Carter's Law as an important first step in protecting people like her son from poor air quality.
“It's not just (wildfire) flames wreaking havoc on our state. Even if the fires are burning 100 or 200 kilometers away from infrastructure and human life, The smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles and kill people,” Vee said. “I think there's a lot that needs to change in how we deal with wildfires and what we put into fighting them, but I think Carter's Law is a big step in the right direction. ”
Dawkson said he does not expect any opposition from the government regarding the content of the Carter Act. If all goes well, he said the bill could be voted on during the fall legislative session, just before expected local elections.
“That will be in the order but then it will be up to the government to go ahead with it (the vote). Sadly I have no control over that and of course with the election coming up,” Mr Dawkson said. said.
“(Introducing the bill) was an opportunity for me to explain to the Legislature what we are trying to accomplish with this bill, and it was also an opportunity to share Mr. Carter's story on a statewide scale.”
Related Article: 100 Mile House's Carter Vig Still 'Moving Mountains' in British Columbia
Related article: 9-year-old boy with asthma from 100 Mile House dies during wildfire season. B.C. coroner investigating
