Pulling together in a time of need
By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
The tragic situation in Jasper has highlighted the perils of the wildfire season and demonstrated how Albertans always unite in times of crisis to support one another.
Since the Jasper townsite and Jasper National Park were greatly impacted, our government has been clear that we will support the Jasper evacuees, and residents from other areas affected by wildfire, every step of the way.
On July 26, Alberta’s Government announced that residents of Jasper and Jasper National Park who had to leave their homes as part of the wildfire evacuation are now able to apply for emergency evacuation payments. This financial aid aims to provide immediate relief to those who have been forced to abandon their homes and belongings. The payments are also extended to temporary foreign workers and seasonal workers who were employed and residing in Jasper National Park or the Town of Jasper, ensuring that all members of the community receive support during this challenging time.
Evacuees from Jasper are being directed to major urban centers such as Edmonton, Calgary, and Grande Prairie. To facilitate this transition, staff at Alberta Supports Centres are on hand to provide necessary assistance. These centres offer a range of services, from financial aid to guidance on accessing further support. I want to thank these municipalities and support workers for being there for their fellow Albertans through this difficult time.
Finally, I have been contacted by many constituents who, in true Albertan spirit, also want to help. In support of relief efforts, the Canadian Red Cross has launched the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal. The government will match individual contributions to this fund, which will be used to help people impacted in Jasper and other affected areas in Alberta with immediate and ongoing relief. Albertans and Canadians can donate now at give.redcross.ca/page/24AWA. Albertans are always some of the most generous people in the country when it comes to giving to charities and non-profits. Let’s show that same giving spirit here, and ensure the evacuees have everything they need to get through this challenging situation.
Following last year’s wildfire season, our government invested significantly to prepare our province for another challenging wildfire season. The budget for 2023-24 was $100.4 million, which was increased to $155.4 million for 2024-25. This represents an increase of more than 50 per cent and is the highest level the budget has ever been in provincial history. Additionally, $2 billion has been budgeted in contingency for emergencies like this.
I am so grateful the residents of the Jasper townsite and Jasper National Park were evacuated safely, and I want to extend a tremendous thank you to all the firefighters and emergency workers who are working around the clock to protect our people and communities.
Several local firefighters from Strathmore and Chestermere are on the front lines in Jasper, bravely working to control the fire that has severely impacted the townsite. I have spoken with each of them personally since their deployment and am profoundly grateful for their courage and heroic efforts to protect a place cherished by all Albertans.
We will pull through this together.
(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)