MPs promise full support for evacuees

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Clarke said he has been actively engaged in the communities, talking with community leaders.

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“I’ve been attending the shelters in Prince Albert, seeing how the evacuees are holding out, making sure they have enough supplies.  Just for instance a couple days ago there were worried about a shortage of blankets and that’s why Health Canada has come forward with the blankets, the pillows, and the extra beds,” said Clarke.

As of the last update, over 13,000 people had been evacuated from the northern communities.

“Health Canada staff are also working with evacuation centers to coordinate mental wellness and culture support for evacuees,” said Clarke.

The Federal Government has also made a commitment to providing pharmaceuticals for prescriptions.

Military response

The Federal government has agreed to provide 1,400 military service personnel to help fight the fires.

Clarke said 500 have been deployed and are being trained for the mission.  An estimated 200 left Prince Albert Wednesday morning.

Some critics have argued the Federal Government should have acted sooner.

“That’s a decision the fire fighters in the province made in their request to the province, and of course once the request is made it takes some time to get the mililtarty here,” said Randy Hoback.  “You know it’s always easy to second guess people in how they make their decisions but I think what we should focus on is that they’re here to help and they’re doing everythig they can to alleviate the pressures the fires are creating in the north.”

Hoback said the 1,400 is what’s available and will be deployed as needed.  

Volunteers

Clarke and Hoback were asked about what’s being done about the numerous people who have offered to help.

Clarke said it’s up to the province to decide if they want to train any more volunteers.

“I’ve had phone calls from individuals that have been trained from aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities, saying that they are available and they are trained and what I’ve been doing is directing them to the province.

Clarke said the biggest concern from the federal government’s standpoint is public safety.  He added that fire is very unpredictable, and that’s why it’s so important to make sure the public is kept well informed.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell