The federal and Saskatchewan governments are teaming up with the Canadian Red Cross to deliver support to communities displaced by wildfires across the province.
On Tuesday, the Government of Canada announced it will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires Appeal. The matching funds will be retroactive to May 30 and will continue for 30 days.
In addition, the Government of Saskatchewan will immediately provide $15 million to the Red Cross to work with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency in delivering aid to wildfire evacuees.
Thousands of residents have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires continue to burn across Saskatchewan. The Canadian Red Cross, in coordination with Indigenous leadership and all levels of government, is providing emergency accommodations, essential services and critical information to those affected.
"I would like to express my heartfelt support for the people and the communities that are affected by wildfires across the country," said Eleanor Olszewski, federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. "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. 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."
Premier Scott Moe praised the generosity of Saskatchewan residents and others who have stepped up to help.
"Saskatchewan people are known for coming together in times of need," Moe said. "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."
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Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger acknowledged the widespread destruction caused by the fires.
"These wildfires in Saskatchewan have been devastating; we are seeing people uprooted, homes destroyed," Belanger said. "From the beginning, the Canadian Red Cross has been providing crucial support to affected people on the ground. Now, your federal government is partnering with the Red Cross and the province to match every donation they receive, so that we can make sure we get more help to those that need it most. As always, we stand ready to respond to any further requests for assistance, now and in the days ahead.”
Canadian Red Cross President and CEO Conrad Sauvé said the agency remains committed to helping communities through both the immediate response and long-term recovery.
"This has been a devastating beginning to wildfire season in Canada and our thoughts are with those impacted by the fires," Sauvé said. "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."
Canadians wishing to donate to the Red Cross 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires Appeal can do so online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.