Delta MP Carla Qualtrough has been named the chair of a federal committee that will help coordinate federal efforts to help the communities affected by the wildfire ranging across the province.
The Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires will meet as required to advise on the Government of Canada's role in mitigation, recovery, and rebuilding efforts in response to the wildfires. The committee will complement the on-the-ground efforts coordinated by the Government Operations Centre.
The committee will be comprised of Qualtrough and fellow MPs Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions (Vice-Chair), Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Jean Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Kent Hehr, Minister Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence and Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
“Like all British Columbians, I am deeply concerned for our neighbours impacted by the wildfires,” said Qualtrough. “As chair of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires, I and my Cabinet colleagues will work tirelessly to make sure immediate steps are taken to help those affected. Our priority now is to work closely with the Province of British Columbia and municipalities to coordinate our efforts and focus on what needs to be done in both the short and long-term. The Government of Canada, along with all Canadians, will stand with the people of British Columbia for as long as it takes. We British Columbians are resilient and will come through this together and stronger.”
