Statement from Minister Goodale regarding Alberta Wildfires

Ottawa – May 31, 2019 – Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, issued the following statement about wildfires in Alberta.

“I have received a request from the Province of Alberta, regarding the wildfire situation. On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, and I have accepted their formal request for federal assistance to help citizens in need.

The Government Operations Centre has dedicated staff working to coordinate the federal response to the situation in Alberta. Officials are working closely with federal and provincial partners on planning the details of this assistance, including support from Canadian Armed Forces. The federal government will make air and ground resources available as necessary for evacuations and the delivery of aid and medical support. Citizens can rest assured that help will be provided.

I strongly encourage impacted residents to follow the directions and advice of their municipal law enforcement and first responders. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank the first responders working tirelessly to keep everyone safe.

The Government of Canada, through the Government Operations Centre, continues to monitor and assess the national wildfire situation carefully.”