Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
“It is disheartening to see a report and the media response to that report that so clearly overlooks the substantial, coordinated efforts undertaken by the Alberta government during the Jasper wildfire. Alberta’s swift deployment of crews, emergency funding and operational support played a critical role in protecting lives and infrastructure, and these contributions are either minimized or ignored entirely.
“Importantly, this wildfire began within Jasper National Park, a federally managed area under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada. As such, the initial response and fire management fell solely under federal control. Alberta provided support promptly when called upon, operating within the constraints of that jurisdictional reality. Alberta Wildfire had no part in the management of the wildfire until after the fire breeched the town. Previous to that, Alberta Wildfire was providing personnel and equipment as requested.
“The report also fails to seriously address the broader and ongoing issue of forest management practices within national parks, an area of exclusive federal responsibility. The long-standing lack of adequate fuel reduction and forest health maintenance in these areas has contributed significantly to the wildfire risk facing communities such as Jasper and others.
“The report and the media response not only appear politically motivated, they are also misguided, given their selective framing and failure to acknowledge the tireless work of provincial emergency personnel and leadership. Notably, local officials raised no concerns when provincial wildfire firefighting teams arrived rapidly with personnel and equipment, nor when Alberta stepped up to fill gaps in funding, logistics and accommodations. These facts deserve recognition.
“Specifically, the Government of Alberta:
- Provided Alberta Wildfire crews, equipment and expertise from Day 1, and immediately relocated additional crews and equipment to locations close to Jasper to be on standby for when Parks Canada requested them.
- Deployed Alberta municipal fire fighting teams from all over the province, that worked to save structures all night.
- Mobilized Alberta search and rescue teams from across the province to do door-to-door checks and evacuate residents.
- Mobilized Alberta’s health and housing system to move vulnerable hospital, long-term care and lodge residents.
- Established evacuation centres, evacuation payments and evacuation hotels.
- Placed provincial social services, mental health and health workers on site immediately.
- Coordinated multiple town halls to communicate with residents.
- Supplied provincially funded and coordinated support teams that flew over hot spots for weeks after the event.
“The Emergency Management Cabinet Committee demonstrated strong leadership throughout the crisis, meeting daily to ensure Alberta’s emergency response mechanisms were fully engaged, and approving $181 million in disaster financial assistance along with property tax relief.
“This support reinforced the importance of unified command and interagency coordination, something the report itself seems to misunderstand or downplay.
“Incident reports help us learn to improve and we hope all jurisdictions take a closer look at their own deficiencies rather than blame others. When you have crews and equipment involved in a dangerous incident of this magnitude, getting information to those responsible for management and decision-making is critical to understand how to best utilize resources and analyze the dangers. Alberta remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure communities are protected and responses are effective, now and in the future.”