EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 1, 2024
/CNW/ - The wildfires across Alberta — including in the historic town of
Jasper and neighbouring
Jasper National
Park — are affecting the lives of
thousands of individuals, communities, families and businesses, as
well as wildlife. The Governments of Canada and Alberta recognize that this has been an
exceptionally difficult time for Jasperites, incident
personnel and everyone who loves Jasper.
With another challenging wildfire season underway and wildfires
increasing in frequency and in severity across Canada — impacting our
health, economies, communities and wildlife — the
Governments of Canada and
Alberta are supporting Canadians
and Albertans threatened by wildfires.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources, with the Honourable Todd Loewen, Minister
of Forestry and Parks, announced a joint investment of over
$57 million over five years under the
Government of Canada's Fighting
and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program – Equipment
Fund (FMWCC). This funding is already supporting Alberta's efforts to purchase key wildland
firefighting equipment as well as hire and train key personnel to
enhance provincial readiness and capacity to prepare for and
respond to wildland fires. So far, Alberta has purchased aircraft parts, general
wildfire equipment including pumps and hoses, and
telecommunications equipment such as radios and transmitters, and
has invested in better predictive services.
The funding announced today will continue to enhance fire
management efforts across Alberta
by procuring and upgrading specialized wildland firefighting
equipment and by hiring and training personnel to increase wildland
fire preparedness and response efforts, improve safety for
communities and firefighters alike, and strengthen capacities and
capabilities for resource exchange across Canada.
The FMWCC Equipment Fund was launched in 2022 to proactively
invest in and support provincial and territorial efforts in
strengthening fire management capacities and capabilities across
the country. By facilitating the purchase of wildland firefighting
equipment, such as fire crew trucks and personal protective
equipment, the fund aims to increase capacity to respond to
wildland fires.
Keeping Canadians safe and healthy is the government's top
priority. Working together with provinces, territories, Indigenous
communities and international allies, the federal government
continues to address and support the fight against wildfires while
combating the effects of climate change, ensuring public safety and
protecting homes, livelihoods and lives.
Quotes
"This summer, across Alberta,
people are experiencing intense wildfires. My thoughts are with the
entire community of Jasper,
families, residents and business owners as the recent wildfires
have left devastating marks on the townsite and surrounding
national park. The federal government is urgently working to
respond to these fires by providing provinces, territories and
partners with the support they need to meet the needs of Canadians
where and when wildfires occur. Today's announcement with the
Government of Alberta highlights
our commitment to continue working with provinces and territories
to mitigate and respond to wildfires through the procurement of
life-saving equipment and personnel through the Fighting and
Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program. Through tangible
and fast-flowing funding, the Government of Canada is helping firefighters respond to the
current wildfire season and beyond."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"Many Albertans have been affected by wildfires this season.
This funding will enhance wildfire management in our province and
protect Albertans, their communities and livelihoods from the
impacts of wildfire. We're grateful to our federal partners for
their support, and we will continue working to respond effectively
to wildfires across our landscape."
The Honourable Todd Loewen
Alberta's Minister of Forestry and
Parks
"As the risks of costly wildfires grow every year, we have to
keep pace with increased levels of preparation. The wildfire at
Jasper National Park showed us
that it pays to be prepared, as the Armed Forces had all the
resources needed to save the majority of the town and most of the
critical infrastructure. Today's investment in the firefighting
capabilities of Alberta strengthen
what has already been a very strong level of cooperation between
our two governments and gives firefighters the tools they need to
best protect our communities."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of
Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
- Both Canada and Alberta are providing $28.8 million over five years through a
contribution agreement under the FMWCC – Equipment Fund.
- The Government of Canada is
working with communities and organizations affected by wildfires to
better understand the unique role the federal government plays in
serving these communities; to offer nationally recognized equipment
to support all firefighters to be better equipped to respond to
wildland fires; and to support a more sustainable approach to
training, employment and all-hazards management in Indigenous
communities and beyond.
- Under Natural Resources Canada's FMWCC – Equipment Fund,
provinces and territories must cost-share investments with the
Government of Canada for
equipment, such as vehicles, mobile units, avionics upgrades
(parts), hoses, pumps, enhanced communications equipment, the
repair of aging equipment and training.
- Visit Canada.ca/wildfires for a complete list of links to
various federal supports for individuals impacted by
wildfires.
Related products
- Canadian Wildland Fire Information System: Monthly and Seasonal
Forecasts
- Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy
- Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate
Program
- WildFireSat: Enhancing Canada's ability to manage
wildfires
- Wildfires - Canada.ca
- Canada's National Adaptation
Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada