The federal government is mobilizing support for Sandy Lake First Nation as wildfires continue to threaten the northwestern Ontario community.
The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, confirmed on Sunday that she has approved a formal Request for Federal Assistance from the Government of Ontario.
“Yesterday, I approved a Request for Federal Assistance from the Government of Ontario to support evacuation efforts in response to the disastrous wildfires threatening Sandy Lake First Nation,” Olszewski said in a statement.
The Government Operations Centre, alongside the Canadian Armed Forces and various federal and provincial partners, is coordinating the deployment of federal resources to assist with the ongoing crisis.
“I am deeply grateful to the firefighters, first responders, emergency management officials, and local volunteers for their tireless efforts in supporting those affected by the wildfires,” Olszewski added.
Evacuation efforts are underway as wildfires force hundreds to flee the remote northern community.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also address the situation.
“As wildfires persist in communities across Canada, I convened the Incident Response Group to discuss efforts involving all orders of government to fight the fires and support evacuations,” Carney posted on social media.
“Most recently, Canadian Armed Forces personnel have been mobilized to assist with the evacuation of Sandy Lake First Nation in Ontario. The federal government stands ready to provide additional support wherever needed. Our ongoing thanks to all first responders and volunteers on the ground fighting to protect our communities.”
