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Wildfire smoke near Grande Prairie on Friday, May 5. Photo by Curtis Galbraith.
Wildfires

Wildfires continue in Alberta as premier, prime minister discuss aid plan

May 8, 2023 | 5:39 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she has received an assurance of support from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the province’s battle against wildfires.

Smith says she and Trudeau spoke by phone, and Alberta has sent a letter to the federal government that outlines a request for assistance.

Trudeau says the federal government will work with the Red Cross to set up a matching fund to help Albertans affected by the fires.

He says the federal government will be offering support but did not divulge specifics.

About 29,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes in several communities in recent days as more than 100 fires remain active.

On the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta, more than 40 structures, mostly homes, have been lost.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2023.

The Canadian Press