Hundreds of people lined up at centres across Alberta Wednesday to get their share of emergency funds being offered to residents of Fort McMurray displaced by the wildfire.
People can also apply for Alberta Works, which provides an emergency allowance for things like food, accommodation, replacement clothes and utility bills; but to qualify, you must be in the province of Alberta.
So what about those who have sought refuge in other provinces?
READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire – Red Cross gives $50M, Alberta gives $100M in emergency funding
Fort McMurray has a large population hailing from Newfoundland and Labrador.
Spokesman John Tompkins said the Department of Advanced Education and Skills will assist evacuees in that province.
“People affected by the wildfires in Alberta who have relocated to Newfoundland and Labrador are encouraged to avail of provincial supports and services, including income support and emergency assistance,” he said.
In Ontario, a government spokeswoman said people who qualify can get help through Ontario Works Emergency Assistance.
- ‘I’m gonna push’: First-time B.C. mother delivers her own baby on way to hospital
- Meter mixup: B.C. woman’s power bill swapped with neighbours for over a decade
- Family says probe into B.C. Mountie’s suicide has left no one accountable
- Burnaby RCMP release sketch of man accused of sexually assaulting 80-year-old woman
“There is no length of residency required as part of that qualification – individuals who are relocating to Ontario and are in immediate financial need can receive support through Ontario Works if they are eligible to receive it,” Kristen Tedesco said. “Ontario has reached out to the Alberta government, and has offered its assistance to support Alberta and the people affected by this tragedy.”
For evacuees who arrive in British Columbia, the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation will meet any immediate needs they might have, including food and clothing. A ministry spokesman said staff would also connect people with BC Housing to find shelter if needed.
“They can also apply for income assistance,” Sean Leslie said. “New arrivals in B.C. can apply for assistance immediately, but they must meet the same eligibility requirements as all other clients.”
The Nova Scotia government has set up a support website and toll free number (1-855-466-4994) to help people affected by the wildfire who arrive in that province.
“(The) Deptartment of Community Services here has been in contact with Alberta’s provincial social services department to get a sense of whether there are clients there who may come back to Nova Scotia; Alberta is understandably unable to provide much information yet because of upheaval there,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Zach Churchill. “Determining what has been lost and what needs to be replaced can be a stressful and lengthy process. Staff in our departments are ready to help people who may have lost items such as identification. The province’s careers centres are also able to provide transition and other employment supports to those who need it.”
The Saskatchewan government hasn’t set up anything specifically to help Fort McMurray evacuees in that province, and is instead relying on support offered by the Red Cross.
Spokeswoman Leya Moore said evacuees are asked to first register by calling 1-888-350-6070.
“The Red Cross will require evacuees to provide identification that includes a residential address from any of the impacted communities in Alberta,” she said. “Emergency supports for food, clothing and personal services such as gas or diapers can be provided for up to five days.”
Manitoba Emergency Social Services is also working with the Red Cross to ensure the needs of evacuees are met in that province.
“In Manitoba, the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is providing services such as food, clothing and personal services through their Personal Disaster Assistance Program to any persons who have fled the Alberta wildfires to Manitoba,” said spokesman Glen Cassie. “Any persons who have fled the Alberta wildfires and is now in Manitoba is encouraged to contact the CRC to receive assistance as required, as well as to connect with any assistance programs that are available from the Province of Alberta.”
Comments