Jati Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Mission-Matsqui Fraser Canyon, applauds the Canadian Government’s decision to form an ad hoc committee to coordinate federal efforts to help the many communities affected by the British Columbia wildfires.
“My thoughts are with my constituents in Ashcroft and Cache Creek and everyone affected by these fires,” says Sidhu.
“The federal government has been closely monitoring the situation since these fires started and is actively engaging with the province to provide aid and support.”
The new Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires will meet as required to advise on the Government of Canada’s role in mitigation, recovery, and rebuilding efforts in response to the wildfires. The Committee will complement the on-the-ground efforts coordinated by the Government Operations Centre.
“Our officials are working closely with provincial and municipal partners on planning the details of this assistance,” Sidhu says.
“We’ve also been getting calls from constituents who want to get involved. I urge everyone who can to donate to the Red Cross’s BC Fires Appeal. It’s the best and quickest way to get help to those who need it right now.”
Donations to the Red Cross BC Fires Appeal may be made at www.redcross.ca, or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Cell phone users can also text FIRES to 45678 to make an automatic donation of $10. Evacuees are also strongly encouraged to register with the Red Cross either online or by calling 1-800-863-6582.
“The Government of Canada will stand with British Columbians every step of the way as they deal with the devastation caused by these wildfires, and start to rebuild their communities,” Sidhu says.
“I have no doubt that the people of this province will once again prove their resilience in the face of terrible adversity.”