Canada's federal government will support British Columbia

The wildfires situation in British Columbia has become extreme in recent weeks. Recent days have brought some relief, but the battle against the natural disaster is far from over. People across the province have been affected by the fires, tens of thousands have been evacuated, many have lost personal possessions and homes, and critical infrastructure has been damaged in cities.

Dealing with the aftermath of the province's wildfire season won't be easy. That's why the federal government is coming to B.C.'s aid. On August 19, Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, approved a request from the B.C. government for federal assistance in fighting wildfires.

The federal government of the country will provide support in many aspects.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will provide Incident Command System trained personnel to British Columbia, as well as support functions as required.

Transport Canada will assist with fire mapping as part of the National Aerial Surveillance Program. The department will also provide air transportation related capabilities as needed, including passenger identification requirements, additional hours of operation for the transportation of essential goods and the movement of pets. Transport Canada continues to work with air operators, provincial emergency personnel and airports to ensure commercial aircraft arrive and depart during firefighting operations, and will provide other assistance as needed.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is working with government agencies and volunteers to ensure the safety of British Columbia residents. The RCMP are patrolling the affected areas and are deploying additional resources from federal, provincial and municipal units that are participating in evacuations.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is providing funding for emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery through the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP). This will strengthen the province's capacity to respond to wildfires. ISC is working closely with the provincial government, the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of British Columbia and the First Nations Health Authority to ensure that Indigenous people are fully supported in the situation. ISC is also in constant contact with Indigenous people to ensure they are fully supported during emergencies and evacuations.

Employment and Social Development Canada will support affected Canadians by expanding Service Canada's capacity, providing counseling to evacuees and deploying mobile teams to evacuation centers to assist those affected in applying for benefits such as employment insurance.

The Canadian Armed Forces makes the Vernon Cadet Training Center (located approximately 50 km north of Kelowna) available to local services to support community evacuation, firefighting and operations, and administrative activities.

The 30-member reconnaissance team, is dispatched from the Second Battalion of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, which is based in Shiloh, Manitoba, to British Columbia. The team is working with and advising the Provincial Emergency Management Office. If needed, the Canadian Armed Forces stand ready to support with additional forces and assets to galvanize the province's efforts.

Public Services and Procurement Canada coordinates with the Province and will support any contracting needs that arise.

The Government of Canada’s Government Operations Centre is working closely with federal and provincial authorities to coordinate the federal response in British Columbia.