Alberta says Fort McMurray firms to get preference on rebuilding contracts

EDMONTON – The Alberta government says it will give preference to Fort McMurray businesses when it awards contracts to rebuild the fire-ravaged community.

Economic Development Minister Deron Bilous says businesses in the city were already struggling from the prolonged collapse in the price of oil.

READ MORE: Phased re-entry into Fort McMurray after wildfire to begin June 1 

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He says the government will work with insurers and the Red Cross to help employers in the Fort McMurray area get back on their feet.

Bilous says that will include working with local suppliers and giving preference to competitive bids from local firms.

READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire: ‘We expect weeks, if not months, fighting this fire’

The Fort McMurray Construction Association has complained that workers from the community are being overlooked for jobs, such as trucking supplies to the city.

Association president Charles Iggulden says his members, who are displaced right now, are frustrated and could use the work.

With files from CFFR