In a new release from the federal and provincial governments, money is immediately headed to the Canadian Red Cross to provide money to help with ongoing forest fires in Canada's northern areas.
The federal government is providing that money for both Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with the federal government matching every dollar donated to the Red Cross to support wildfire relief.
"As wildfires continue to impact communities across the province of Saskatchewan, we are committed to working closely with the provincial government, Indigenous leadership, and the Canadian Red Cross to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response.", Said Federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada Eleanor Olszewski. "By matching donations to the Red Cross, we are encouraging the people of Canada to come together in support of those affected and to help communities recover and rebuild with strength and resilience."
Donation matching will be open for 30 days, retroactive to when the appeal first opened on May 30th.
The Government of Saskatchewan, meanwhile, is immediately providing $15 million to the Canadian Red Cross to work with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to support wildfire evacuees.
"Saskatchewan people are known for coming together in times of need," said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. "This fundraising initiative to support those impacted by the wildfires reflects the generosity shown in our province and throughout the country. We thank the Canadian Red Cross for their fundraising efforts and for providing support for evacuees as we continue to fight these wildfires."
Thousands of Saskatchewanians have been displaced from northern communities as wildfires continue to blaze across the province. The Canadian Red Cross has been helped by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency in giving those evacuees a place to stay, with some ending up in the southeast. Local firefighter volunteer units have also sent up equipment and personnel to help deal with the fires.
"This has been a devastating beginning to wildfire season in Canada, and our thoughts are with those impacted by the fires," said Canadian Red Cross President and CEO Conrad Sauvé. "The Canadian Red Cross is grateful for the generosity of people living in Canada, and to the Government of Canada for their support of people impacted by wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Red Cross is committed to providing support to people in the immediate days of the response, as well as for recovery."
The Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan say they are committed to continuing to do everything they can to support all those affected.