Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Alberta Premier Danielle ...

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, to discuss evacuations in Jasper and the rapidly changing wildfire situation.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Smith discussed the special and cherished place that Jasper holds in the hearts of many Albertans and Canadians across the country, and shared their hopes for a swift recovery. The Prime Minister acknowledged the fear and uncertainty faced by many Albertans whose homes, businesses, and neighbours have been affected.

The two leaders expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude for the courage of the first responders and emergency officials working tirelessly to protect the residents of Jasper, including their homes and businesses, and the many visitors to the area. They agreed that it is thanks to the exceptional efforts and professionalism of this personnel that Jasper could be evacuated so swiftly and safely, with no reported injuries to date. The Prime Minister also shared his appreciation for members of neighbouring communities who have opened their homes to evacuees.

The Prime Minister shared with the Premier the ongoing and productive conversations between Ministers Sajjan, LeBlanc, Guilbeault, and their counterparts in Alberta. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that the federal government would use every tool at its disposal to support the province and protect its communities. This includes the constant flow of information and communication between governments and agencies and the immediate deployment of Canadian Armed Forces resources, which will provide evacuation support, wildfire support, and the co-ordination of firefighting and airlift assistance, in response to Alberta’s request for federal assistance. He also highlighted the important work of the Government Operations Centre and Parks Canada, which are working closely with federal and provincial partners to co-ordinate the response to the wildfire situation in Alberta and to mobilize all necessary federal resources to assist those impacted.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Smith agreed to stay in regular contact as they work with all partners to address this evolving situation. The Prime Minister thanked the Premier for her leadership and collaboration during this incredibly difficult time.