An Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee has been formed, as the province of British Columbia continue to impacted by province-wide wildfires.
Federal officials say the Government of Canada will do its utmost to help the people of British Columbia facing the immediate and long-term impacts of destructive wildfires.
“Our thoughts are with all British Columbians dealing with the devastating impacts of these wildfires,” stated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Our new Cabinet committee will work hard to address both the immediate and long-term needs of all the families, communities and businesses affected. I would like to thank the first responders, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and all those working around the clock to help those affected by the wildfires. You represent the best of Canada.”
Earlier today, Trudeau announced the creation of a new ad hoc Cabinet committee to coordinate federal efforts to help the many communities affected by the wildfires raging through British Columbia.
The Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires will meet as required to advise on the Government of Canada’s role in mitigation, recovery, and rebuilding efforts in response to the wildfires.
The Committee will complement the on-the-ground efforts coordinated by the Government Operations Centre.
Federal officials say the Government of Canada will stand with British Columbians every step of the way as they deal with the devastation caused by these wildfires, and start to rebuild their communities.
The ad hoc Cabinet Committee will comprise of:
– The Hon. Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sports and Persons with Disabilities (Chair)
– The Hon. Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions (Vice-Chair)
– The Hon. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
– The Hon. Jean Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
– The Hon. Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
– The Hon. Kent Hehr, Minister Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
– The Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
– The Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
“My thoughts and prayers are with those displaced and affected by the wildfires in British Columbia,” Goodale said in a statement.
“I am heartened by the resilience, cooperation and courage demonstrated by the communities and emergency personnel facing this quickly evolving situation. On behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, and I have accepted a request for federal assistance in dealing with the wildfire situation from my provincial counterpart, Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Emergency Management BC.”
Goodale added: “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 local volunteers, the RCMP members and all of the first responders who continue to work night and day to keep everyone safe.”
More details can be found, here.
– Photo credit: Government of Canada
