Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Jasper is federal jurisdiction, yet the province has had radio silence from Ottawa with no response to Alberta’s calls to help for months.
Despite significant lack of support from the federal government following last summer’s tragic wildfire in Jasper, Alberta’s government immediately took action to support Jasper’s recovery by investing more than $170 million and focusing on Jasper’s rebuild.
It became clear early on that the federal government was not going to invest in the housing needed to successfully get displaced residents back into homes as soon as possible. That’s why Alberta developed solutions, within the significant limitations of federal government disaster recovery rules, to try and creatively help. Sadly, the federal government has spent months blocking any houses from being rebuilt.
Today though, we’re happy to report that after months of pressure and the Trudeau government refusing to respond to the province, Alberta has finally been successful in getting the feds to the table to address their responsibilities.
After months of pushing for the deployment of housing units in Jasper, we have finally heard that the federal government plans to meet its obligations and begin to bring in single-bedroom trailers for displaced Jasperites. It is crucial that this work begins immediately. Our government will continue to advocate against any harmful federal policies that threaten to delay Jasper’s recovery and hold the federal government accountable for its responsibilities to Albertans that call the federal park home.
Alberta’s government remains ready to build homes for displaced Jasperites, but we can’t do that without land. If the federal government decides to step up and make land available, the province is ready to build the homes.
Key Facts:
- Alberta’s government has been steadfast in its support for Jasper since Day 1. We’ve invested more than $170 million to support Jasper residents and businesses including:
- $2.5 million to support Jasper’s tourism industry.
- $149 million in funding through the Disaster Recovery Program to support emergency response and recovery costs.
- $12.9 million in matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross.
- $7.5 million in Emergency Evacuation Payments to more than 6,500 Jasperites.
- Alberta’s government continues to rebuild the Pine Grove Manor seniors housing complex that was lost in the Jasper wildfire.
Related Information:
- Premier’s letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
- Minister Nixon’s letter to Minister Stephen Guilbeault