New hotline for Nova Scotians stranded by Fort McMurray fire

The McNeil government says as of Thursday Nova Scotians who are living in Alberta and have recently been displaced by wildfires can contact 1-855-466-4994 to help get connected to government programs.

The newly set up phone line can also be used to help connect people with their families who are living in Nova Scotia.

READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire: Nova Scotia at the ready to send firefighters, aid

Families living in Nova Scotia can call 211 to get help connecting with relatives in Alberta and to find out about the programs and services available to them.

Part of the goal of the hotline is for the province to get a better understanding of what kind of supports it will need to put in place for Nova Scotians who lost property in Alberta, Premier Stephen McNeil said.

“This wont end in a week, this is a long term commitment on behalf of the government to continue to work with Nova Scotians,” McNeil said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This wont end in a week, this is a long term commitment on behalf of the government to continue to work with Nova Scotians," McNeil said.

Both for “those that stay in Alberta and those that are coming home.”

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McNeil will speak with Alberta premier Rachel Notley sometime Thursday evening. then decide whether and how the province will make a financial contribution or provide other support.

As many as 15 firefighters from Nova Scotia could be sent to Alberta to help crews on the ground, support and clean up personnel could also be sent.

So far, McNeil said the central coordinating agency in Winnipeg has not called on Nova Scotia for that help.

Citing more wildfires in British Columbia, McNeil said the coordinating centre will make decisions based on the need nationally.

“They will be doing it in terms of looking at the country and where we can provide that support,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "They will be doing it in terms of looking at the country and where we can provide that support," he said.

McNeil is encouraging anyone who wants to help the more than 80,000 evacuees to donate to the Canadian Red Cross, via phone, text or online.

With files from Natasha Pace.