The Canadian Press
FORT McMURRAY, Alta.—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was scheduled to meet with first responders today as he got a first-hand look at the damage left by a raging wildfire that forced the evacuation of 80,000 in Fort McMurray, Alta. more than a week ago.
Trudeau also planned to travel to Edmonton to meet with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, who is expected to press the prime minister for enhanced employment insurance benefits for the Edmonton area as a consequence of the wildfire.
Ottawa already is fast-tracking EI claims from displaced Fort McMurray workers—many of whom have dispersed across the country.
Trudeau’s government also is putting together a special cabinet committee to co-ordinate Fort McMurray aid and reconstruction efforts.
Officials say about 2,400 homes and other structures were destroyed in the fire, and another 530 damaged.
But 25,000 were saved.
The fire itself, which now is 2,400 square km in size, has moved away from the city and is expected to burn in forested areas for many more weeks.
Within Fort McMurray, crews are continuing to snuff out flare-ups while inspectors are assessing damage.
Municipal Affairs minister Danielle Larivee said the key goals are making sure the fire is completely out, restoring utilities, and ensuring the hospital is functional.
She expects it will take five days to assess all the surviving structures in the city, but emphasizes there still is no fixed date for the city’s residents to return.
