Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan, Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, and Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, is briefed on the damage caused by a series of severe wildfires in many parts of the province during his visit to Saskatchewan.
Introduction
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today travelled to La Ronge and Regina, Saskatchewan, to meet with government officials, including members of Saskatchewan’s Wildfire Management Centre, and some of the first responders who have been fighting a series of severe wildfires in many parts of the province. He was joined by Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, and Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River.
While in La Ronge, Prime Minister Harper received a briefing on the current situation with Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan, and met with provincial and municipal government officials, firefighters and other first responders and volunteers to assess ongoing requirements and discuss the way ahead for affected communities.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to recognize the teamwork and cooperation of all those involved and personally thanked community members and organizations involved in assistance efforts.
In Regina, Prime Minister Harper held a meeting with Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan.
The Government of Canada, through Public Safety Canada’s Government Operations Centre, is working closely with the province of Saskatchewan to provide the quickest, most effective response to help communities deal with the fires and prevent further damage.
As part of these efforts, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed approximately 850 members, more than 220 vehicles, including light armoured vehicles, and two CH-146 Griffon helicopters to provide firefighting, logistics, and patrolling support to local and provincial efforts. Natural Resources Canada 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
- While a number of central and northern Saskatchewan communities, including several First Nations, had to evacuate as wildfires advanced on residential areas – leading to over ten thousand registered evacuees temporarily being relocated to other parts of Saskatchewan and Alberta – the vast majority of these residents have now been able to return to their communities.
- The situation has stabilized in some key areas to the point that the province has indicated that they no longer require the support of the CAF.
Quote
“I am saddened by the devastation that this year’s wildfires have caused in this part of the country. The people of Saskatchewan have shown great determination in the face of terrible hardship. My thanks go out to the firefighters, to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, and to the many other emergency responders and volunteers who have come to the aid of the families and communities who found themselves in the path of these wildfires. The situation has greatly improved, and I was very pleased to learn that many families are returning to their homes. Our Government will continue to be engaged to ensure the well-being of those affected.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
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