The provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island are joining together to support relief efforts in Fort McMurray.
The provinces are donating a combined total of $250,000 – $75,000 each from N.B., N.L and N.S., and $25,000 from P.E.I. – to the Canadian Red Cross.
“Nova Scotians, like all Canadians, want to reach out and support the people of Fort McMurray during this terrible tragedy,” Premier Stephen McNeil said in a release.
“Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead as you deal with this disaster and work to rebuilt your community, which has close ties with so many Nova Scotians.”
The province has also opened a phone line (1-855-466-4994) to help connect those displaced by the fire to government programs that may provide assistance or connect with family in Nova Scotia. The service launched on Thursday, May 5 and is being provided by 211.
Additional support
New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant says that in addition to the financial help, the province will be sending resources to Alberta.
“We’re sending a team of people, including about 20 firefighers from New Brunswick, to help the efforts to try and extinguish the fire and mitigate the damage.”
The province is also setting up a phone line for New Brunswickers affected by the fire to help them replace lost documents, including driver’s licences, Medicare cards and birth certificates.
READ MORE: Atlantic Canadians with connection to Fort McMurray lending helping hand
Anyone requiring assistance can call 1-888-762-8600 from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. AT.
Additionally, the government is offering a student loan payment holiday to New Brunswickers affected by the situation in Alberta, and the Department of Health is working with regional health authorities, Ambulance New Brunswick and other agencies to identify health-care professionals who could be available to travel to Alberta and assist, if required.