Province coordinating help for Fort McMurray fire victims
Posted May 5, 2016 07:30:10 PM.
Last Updated May 5, 2016 07:32:36 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – The province is coordinating several ways for Nova Scotians to help victims of the fire emergency in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Premier Stephen McNeil says people across the province are concerned about the thousands who have had to evacuate and Nova Scotians want to help.
“Nova Scotians have always stepped up when others are in need,” said Premier McNeil. “Nova Scotians with family members affected should use these sources to let us know how we can help.”
The province is also ready to provide fire fighting and other resources to Alberta if requested after Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management Office reached out to its counterparts in Alberta to offer assistance.
Zack Churchill, Nova Scotia’s minister in charge of the EMO, said provinces are there to help each other when situations like this arise, which is already stipulated in a mutual aid agreement.
“So if there is a situation we’re dealing with or other provinces are dealing with where they do not have the person power, we help each other out through resources and people,” said Churchill.
Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines said in addition to sending firefighters, the province is there to help in other ways.
We have expertise not just in firefighting, but in other parts of the process,” said Hines. “Even on the clean up side we might supply people.”
Information and How You Can Donate:
Beginning Thursday, Nova Scotians in Alberta who have been displaced by wildfires can phone 1-855-466-4994 to get connected to government programs that may provide assistance.
Here at home, Nova Scotians with family members in Alberta can connect to programs through 2-1-1.
The Canadian Red Cross is accepting donations via phone, text message or online at: www.redcross.ca
Information is also available at: NovaScotia.ca\FortMcMurray
