Canada News
PM visits British Columbia to survey damage caused by wildfires
Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Intoit / Shutterstock)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today travelled to Kelowna, British Columbia, to survey first-hand the damage caused by a series of severe wildfires. He was joined by Dan Albas, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Okanagan–Coquihalla, and Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country.
The Prime Minister received a briefing on the situation and surveyed the affected area with Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia. He also met with some of the workers and volunteers that have been providing assistance to fight the fires and ensure the safety of families and communities in distress.
While in Kelowna, Prime Minister Harper also met with government officials to assess ongoing requirements and discuss the way ahead for affected communities.
The Prime Minister recognized the teamwork and cooperation of all those involved and personally thanked community members and organizations involved in assistance efforts.
The Government of Canada, through Public Safety Canada’s Government Operations Centre, is working closely with the province of British Columbia to provide the quickest, most effective response to help communities deal with the fires and prevent further damage. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre have been providing scientific support and coordination of national firefighting equipment and personnel from across Canada and from international partners. Other federal institutions have worked to ensure continuity of services to Canadians.
Quick Facts
- Over 125 families have so far been evacuated.
- NRCan and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre have been providing scientific support and coordination of national firefighting equipment and personnel from across Canada and from international partners.
Quote
“Today in Kelowna, I saw first-hand the devastation caused in this area, in one of the worst years for fires on record. British Columbians have shown great resiliency during this very difficult time. I would like to extend my gratitude to the firefighters – domestic and foreign – and to the many other emergency responders and volunteers who worked tirelessly to contain and control the province’s wildfires and come to the aid of stricken families and communities. Our Government stands by ready to assist any province or territory that requests federal assistance in fighting forest fires.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
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