WEBVTT 1 00:00:05.120 --> 00:00:32.359 Thank you for listening to Depiction's Media Radio. Welcome to Policy Rights to show 2 00:00:32.560 --> 00:01:07.640 about government policy and human rights. Welcome back to Policy Rights here in Depictions 3 00:01:07.680 --> 00:01:11.079 Media Radio. I'm your host, Michael Cloggs. You know, you would 4 00:01:11.120 --> 00:01:22.799 think that UM elected officials would do anything to ensure the fact that elections and 5 00:01:23.040 --> 00:01:29.799 election results reflect what it is that the people of the country believe in, 6 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:41.560 and that they would ensure that there are no secret ways or stops that would 7 00:01:42.200 --> 00:01:48.280 make it so that the person that was or the people who are being elected 8 00:01:48.799 --> 00:01:53.319 aren't just done by way of party, but done by way of individual and 9 00:01:53.439 --> 00:02:01.280 what that individual stands for. So is that the the thing that happens when 10 00:02:01.319 --> 00:02:07.799 we look at the first past the post system that is being used in Canada 11 00:02:07.840 --> 00:02:13.000 and it gets used across Canada and just about every province every election that is 12 00:02:13.159 --> 00:02:17.560 held, that it is a first past to post system or should it be 13 00:02:17.840 --> 00:02:24.639 a different system. And we're going to hear Justin Trudeau talking about a ranked 14 00:02:24.680 --> 00:02:30.599 balance system as he's asked questions about that. You're still being asked UM questions 15 00:02:30.680 --> 00:02:40.719 around foreign interference. We just talked about ensuring that the votes are coming out. 16 00:02:42.639 --> 00:02:49.080 So this clear clearly reflecting what it is that the people of the democracy 17 00:02:49.159 --> 00:02:59.840 want. Then how is it that a whole other country and their government could 18 00:03:00.080 --> 00:03:07.520 possibly have an influence on that election if, like I said, if people 19 00:03:07.520 --> 00:03:13.800 are doing the jobs that they say that they're doing to ensure the safeguard of 20 00:03:14.240 --> 00:03:21.120 the elections, to make sure that it's only being influenced by the people who 21 00:03:21.520 --> 00:03:30.319 vote in that country, that municipality, that province or state as it were. 22 00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:35.520 So there's a lot of questions around that and a lot of it being 23 00:03:35.599 --> 00:03:39.479 asked suggestion to do. It's like, what is going on in how these 24 00:03:39.520 --> 00:03:53.639 safeguards are actually being put in place so that we know that only the influence 25 00:03:53.680 --> 00:04:04.039 of only the people of the land are involved in those elections. So, 26 00:04:04.360 --> 00:04:12.080 um, we're also gonna we have a brief recording UM from Justin Trudeau as 27 00:04:12.120 --> 00:04:18.879 he is talking about the wildfire situation situation in Alberta. Um, well, 28 00:04:19.279 --> 00:04:27.439 we are we exist in British Columbia. Yes, there are um currently about 29 00:04:27.480 --> 00:04:32.800 sixty two fires in British Columbia that are raging out of control. But it 30 00:04:32.839 --> 00:04:44.519 isn't the situation that that we had that totally destroyed the town of Lytton, 31 00:04:44.600 --> 00:04:54.120 BC and as it stands right now that in a particular area of Alberta, 32 00:04:54.279 --> 00:05:00.040 they are looking at that same situation that we had years ago, UM that 33 00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:09.000 destroyed a town, just flattened it. So Justin Trudeau has made a number 34 00:05:09.040 --> 00:05:18.240 of promises and the people of Alberta are calling out for help UM with the 35 00:05:18.279 --> 00:05:25.720 wildfires, asking for fire assistance and Red Cross help as well as monetary assistance 36 00:05:26.079 --> 00:05:33.600 to ensure that the people of towns and areas that are being evacuated are taken 37 00:05:33.639 --> 00:05:40.360 care of, that they are kept whole, that founilies are able to stay 38 00:05:40.439 --> 00:05:46.399 together during the whole evacuation process. So it's a lot of what what is 39 00:05:46.480 --> 00:05:53.439 happening UM and if they we're going to hear about in this next particular podcast 40 00:05:53.560 --> 00:05:59.079 episode. So why don't we UM switch over to that now and and listen 41 00:05:59.160 --> 00:06:04.600 to as as we hear Justin Trudeau talking about the electoral system, he's talking 42 00:06:04.639 --> 00:06:13.759 about the death of Mark Lalande, and he will also be talking about, 43 00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:32.519 well everybody else is talking about it, the coronation of Charles the third morning. 44 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:36.040 Everyone, Before we begin, I want to highlight that we have been 45 00:06:36.680 --> 00:06:44.600 of course monitoring closely the situation with wildfires and floods in Alberta, BC and 46 00:06:45.399 --> 00:06:49.360 Quebec. Obviously, this federal government stands by to support, to help in 47 00:06:49.399 --> 00:06:54.360 any way possible, and we encourage everyone to listen to the best advice of 48 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:59.879 local authorities and keep safe through this difficult time. If demos you come, 49 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:10.000 see a sulk and some on contact Directorc part particular Quebec or an Alberta scatcher 50 00:07:10.079 --> 00:07:25.319 one a conon be Britannic polyfid for Eli actual Verno Federal, the nets Niecess, 51 00:07:25.519 --> 00:07:32.879 the Restian Security CONCA locale in the Velisons Resotre. It is a real 52 00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:39.759 pleasure to be back in London in this historic moment of the coronation of King 53 00:07:39.839 --> 00:07:45.920 Charles the Third. We have announced today new coins, a new stamp, 54 00:07:46.079 --> 00:07:50.759 a new crown, a new flag, um opportunities to update this important moment 55 00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:57.279 in Canadian history with our new monarch. But as we have been looking towards 56 00:07:57.279 --> 00:08:05.120 the past and reflecting on the traditions and strength of history that underpins Canada's incredibly 57 00:08:05.160 --> 00:08:11.199 strong democracy, we're also very much focused on the future. The conversations I've 58 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:16.079 had with His Majesty and that he's had with indigenous leaders, the Governor General 59 00:08:16.120 --> 00:08:20.040 and Canadians are all very much focused on the future, whether it's on protecting 60 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:26.800 and preserving the environment, or whether it's moving forward in new partnership with indigenous 61 00:08:26.800 --> 00:08:31.440 peoples, in understanding of the respect and path forward that we need to take. 62 00:08:31.879 --> 00:08:37.360 This is an important, important moment to reflect not as much on our 63 00:08:37.360 --> 00:08:41.840 past as it is on the future we're building together. This was also an 64 00:08:41.879 --> 00:08:46.639 opportunity for me to meet with lots of Canadians who were here, from the 65 00:08:46.840 --> 00:08:52.279 young members of our delegation to extraordinary Canadians who have demonstrated their service and their 66 00:08:52.279 --> 00:08:58.159 commitments to our country in many different ways, as well as connect with friends 67 00:08:58.320 --> 00:09:03.200 and allies from around the world, particularly with excellent conversations with the prime ministers 68 00:09:03.240 --> 00:09:07.559 of the UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as other partners from 69 00:09:07.679 --> 00:09:15.720 Africa, the Caribbean and elsewhere where. We share common values and common challenges 70 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:20.720 and are committed to working together to build a better future for all who live, 71 00:09:20.960 --> 00:09:33.600 not just in the Commonwealth but everywhere around the world. La Coron Britannique 72 00:09:33.279 --> 00:09:52.320 e can On and mne clan Oplus. There's some in Dala la Sui lan 73 00:09:52.399 --> 00:10:03.759 Gagement di Roachu see only um Danson program, the Trump mill and mid died 74 00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:16.919 La corn Po suning in the service can atlp sam we refilistrald notre democracy tramu 75 00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:30.840 si because also when complete trit and prior people rahall who called Daniel deny oh 76 00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:43.039 uncle, the refs st Eli Stark Colonna, the san who's sis si populo 77 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:54.720 Patternaria and near Basis has paid to see among the citybre dejan can zACI s 78 00:10:54.240 --> 00:11:15.279 P Canada exaltarian his access pursummi pardi so see term travectre chef CHEVDP at Particuarmo 79 00:11:15.919 --> 00:11:35.159 Newland Leader, African Leader de cab dejan Qui Parte de Rush Army at tourney 80 00:11:35.679 --> 00:11:41.720 lai A good morning, Prime Minister Joyce snap yours CTV. Thank you for 81 00:11:41.840 --> 00:11:48.440 taking our questions. For months, the opposition parties have been asking you questions 82 00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:54.559 about foreign interference and they're not buying your answers. Why is the issue still 83 00:11:54.639 --> 00:11:58.679 dogging you months in well, I think there is a recognition, as there 84 00:11:58.679 --> 00:12:05.879 has been recognition by this government that foreign interference is a serious, serious thing 85 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:11.879 that we have to be acting and engaging with on a constant manner. Since 86 00:12:11.960 --> 00:12:16.279 twenty fifteen, we've stepped up a number of processes, whether it's an oversight 87 00:12:16.360 --> 00:12:24.200 committee by parliamentarians, whether it's an election monitoring process by top public safety and 88 00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:30.919 security officials, as we went through the twenty nineteen twenty one elections to confirm 89 00:12:31.759 --> 00:12:37.320 that we're able to confirm that those elections integrity held. But we also know 90 00:12:37.639 --> 00:12:41.519 that there is more to do. And that's why, because unfortunately it has 91 00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:46.919 become very much a partisan discussion, it was important that we brought in an 92 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:54.679 independent expert in the former Governor General to surveil to look at the entire landscape 93 00:12:54.679 --> 00:12:58.840 of everything we're doing on foreign interference and make concrete recommendations and an assessment of 94 00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:05.120 how we're doing or what we can do more. Unfortunately, the partisanship of 95 00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:11.600 this is clear for all, but Canadians need to know that we all take 96 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:16.120 this seriously and despite the despite the work that the opposition parties are doing to 97 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:22.080 ask these questions, we're going to continue to be giving them answers. Your 98 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:30.480 Foreign Affairs minister says there are consequences for evicting a diplomat who reportedly threatened an 99 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:35.679 MP and his family. Can you give us one example of what those consequences 100 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:41.000 could be for Canada. The relationship with China, as we've seen over the 101 00:13:41.080 --> 00:13:45.399 past number of years, has been not without very real challenges, whether it's 102 00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:50.720 around arbitrary detention, whether it's around challenges to Canada's trade. When thinks of 103 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:58.919 pork, when thinks of Canola, one thinks of various various real consequences that 104 00:13:58.440 --> 00:14:03.320 Canada and other countries around the world have faced in various situations. Um, 105 00:14:03.919 --> 00:14:07.960 there are things to consider around this. But at the same time, Canada 106 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:11.639 will never shy away from standing up from our values for ensuring that our laws 107 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:16.799 are respected. And that's why the Foreign minister is taking these questions so seriously. 108 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:46.240 Diplomat es Michael Stipe Uncle, but to double La respond the two government 109 00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:54.840 Canadia see the section A security team. You see a prosperity Canadia. Our 110 00:14:54.919 --> 00:15:13.679 men and confess and do e principa town in louisizi aportn some the prown Laban 111 00:15:15.840 --> 00:15:52.320 factor alone consulted APO MUCIP representing gravity. These allegations control Community deputy in the 112 00:15:56.399 --> 00:16:06.480 who called n Joanni PIVC the preque passion in the don Jour Epicondi deputy who 113 00:16:06.559 --> 00:16:22.240 filled niece a new new new service rancion so regular constant train de value elenas 114 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:34.240 who can and was organism who rope communc h his actor politic Jean proud que 115 00:16:34.480 --> 00:16:45.399 deco rossi cal formian he exige reps with his action or francis action an English 116 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:52.279 point. Okay, I can tell you that on a regular basis, I 117 00:16:52.440 --> 00:16:59.480 am captor prized by our intelligence services on threats the Canadians, which include threats 118 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:07.920 to institutions, threats to our democracy, but also threats to individuals, including 119 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:14.279 sometimes political actors. But I can assure you that whenever we get information that 120 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:19.640 requires follow up or actions, either by the political arm or the intelligence services, 121 00:17:21.160 --> 00:17:29.240 we ensure that those actions are taken. Good morning, pritment is The 122 00:17:29.319 --> 00:17:33.119 Governor General recently said that Canadians have never really felt Bradings, have never really 123 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:37.640 felt great affection for King Charles, and that he has more to do to 124 00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:41.519 develop the relationship with our country. Is that your assessment of things? And 125 00:17:41.599 --> 00:17:44.880 do you think that the King really has to do more to improve his standing 126 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:52.799 among Canadians. Obviously it is natural that Canadians had such an extraordinary and deep 127 00:17:52.839 --> 00:17:59.720 affection for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, who was an extraordinary piece of 128 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:06.039 of history, the living history that followed us throughout our lives. She was 129 00:18:06.920 --> 00:18:11.920 a constant, enduring presence for Canadians and for people around the world, and 130 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:21.599 obviously she leaves extraordinary legacy and a challenge for anyone who steps into the important 131 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:29.759 role as monarch. At the same time, I have known his Majesty now 132 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:40.000 for decades as a as an environmentalist, as someone who has been deeply committed 133 00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:48.640 to protecting and preserving nature, as someone who has shown a remarkable openness to 134 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:59.039 understanding the challenges of the colonial history that the Crown has been wrapped up in 135 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:03.319 in Canada, particularly around reconciliation. The work that he has done in reaching 136 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:08.279 out to Indigenous leaders over the past number of years and including again this week, 137 00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:15.000 I think shows that he is deeply aligned with some of the really fundamental 138 00:19:15.119 --> 00:19:22.200 priorities of Canadians. Obviously, we will have many, many years in which 139 00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:27.480 Canadians will get to know his approach and his deep commitment to service, which 140 00:19:27.519 --> 00:19:34.599 includes leadership on environment and reconciliation issues. And I'm looking forward to, alongside 141 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:40.039 Canadians getting to continue to work with him on big things that affect not just 142 00:19:40.160 --> 00:19:47.640 Canada, but the planet. Okay, on the Michael Chong matter, why 143 00:19:47.720 --> 00:19:51.880 is it taking so long to decide whether to expel a Chinese diplomat? I 144 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:56.839 thinks, as you know, this is a serious and significant question. It's 145 00:19:56.880 --> 00:20:02.680 a question of moving forward in a way that represents our values and ensures that 146 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:07.920 we're enforcing our laws while at the same time ensuring that we're keeping Canadians safe 147 00:20:07.960 --> 00:20:11.599 and prosperous. This is a decision not to be taken lightly, and the 148 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:17.960 Foreign Minister is leaning into this very, very carefully. Morgan Lowry, Canadian 149 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:23.440 Press Minister Mendocino said yesterday that your government is considering whether to hold someone accountable 150 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:27.759 for the decision not to let any cabinet minister know about intelligence regarding the threats 151 00:20:27.799 --> 00:20:33.640 against mister Chong and his family. Have you spoken to former National Security Advisor 152 00:20:33.720 --> 00:20:40.759 Vince Rigby about why he didn't elevate this information Our Foreign our sorry, our 153 00:20:41.079 --> 00:20:49.640 security, security and intelligence services regularly assess an evalue rate extraordinary amounts of information 154 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:56.480 that comes in about threats to Canadians, around challenges to our institutions, around 155 00:20:56.559 --> 00:21:00.440 cyber attacks, around a range of things that they need to make evaluations and 156 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:07.680 assessments on They are professionals when it comes to determining whether an issue is a 157 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:15.880 serious threat, whether it's a substantive and substantiated piece of information, and that 158 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:22.640 is something they continue to do. The shift that I announced this week is 159 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:29.319 that going forward, whenever there is a threat or a suggestion of a threat, 160 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:34.960 however substantiated, however verifiable, it needs to be passed along to higher 161 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:41.119 political levels than was the case before. Does that mean every potential threat will 162 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:47.720 land on my desk, Not necessarily, but it will mean that ministers and 163 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:52.480 top public servants need to be assessed on it, and anything that is deemed 164 00:21:52.519 --> 00:21:56.920 to be credible we will take the necessary action on it. Is a shift 165 00:21:56.039 --> 00:22:00.160 that I've announced as of last week. At isn't the case before. There 166 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:06.880 wasn't a directive around this before. So it's a question of recognizing that CSUS 167 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:14.359 and our intelligence services are professionals in the way they assess and evaluate the substantiated, 168 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:18.400 native nature or the serious nature of potential threats. But what we're saying 169 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:23.359 is even if it's minor, it should be elevated to the highest levels. 170 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:29.720 That is the new change moving forward and Just to follow up, members of 171 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:33.799 the Liberal Party passed a resolution this weekend to urge your government to set up 172 00:22:33.799 --> 00:22:38.440 a National Citizens Assembly on electoral reform. Do you support revisiting the issue and 173 00:22:38.599 --> 00:22:44.720 how has your thinking on this change since you abandon that promise. I continue 174 00:22:45.359 --> 00:22:48.319 to feel that it would be great to have a ranked ballot. It would 175 00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:52.240 be great for Canadians to be able to pick their first, their second, 176 00:22:52.359 --> 00:22:56.839 or their third choice on a given ballot. These are conversations I have continued 177 00:22:56.920 --> 00:23:03.960 to have with Liberals and with partners in the House. When we made the 178 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:08.279 supplying confidence agreement with the NDP, I highlighted that I was more than willing 179 00:23:08.359 --> 00:23:17.160 to move forward on a rank ballot if they wanted electoral change. The decision 180 00:23:17.319 --> 00:23:21.359 was made that we would stay focused on issues of affordability, if issues of 181 00:23:21.480 --> 00:23:26.200 progressive politics, but I'm always open if there is ever a consensus to move 182 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:33.119 forward on moving past first past the post. The fact is there is no 183 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:38.960 consensus and I was not in twenty fifteen to twenty nineteen going to use my 184 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:45.240 majority to change unilattery the way we elect people in Canada. I continue to 185 00:23:45.319 --> 00:23:48.720 hope that we will one day reach consensus on that. But in the meanwhile, 186 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:52.440 I'm going to stay focused on the things that matter the most to Canadians, 187 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:56.480 which is affordability, which is creating great jobs for the middle class, 188 00:23:56.960 --> 00:24:00.640 working on delivering real results, and healthcare and dental care. I don't think 189 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:10.720 the Canadians talk to me about every day. Ms roc amilior In at the 190 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:30.000 street time Waldony lopsion with the exprement or premier shall order uns consercus told us 191 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:38.680 so um or do you mean can you means? Nerve for change count change 192 00:24:40.079 --> 00:24:56.680 facon Jotrvecki on everybody's certain consensus Jeanne swing the partner npt uh rope round with 193 00:24:56.480 --> 00:25:04.240 damn me what preferencial uh met us all fellows one a fellows sam de constant 194 00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:11.119 progress is politan jecs as well. I need complete chance MICHAELMASI like people governed, 195 00:25:11.119 --> 00:25:22.319 the facial progresses for progressive mat I media really stem discreet time refuse course 196 00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:26.759 as well. So a party killer fast on the bose one particu. I 197 00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:37.640 call for fire n changements, significetursa thank you. This is my sixty nine 198 00:25:37.720 --> 00:26:00.000 dollars partly the mark. They are drunk and idea let's sit them mobile. 199 00:26:00.759 --> 00:26:10.880 Say you see it there for Potibu politic sat bassion all the service tributs at 200 00:26:10.920 --> 00:26:22.359 bassion poll that pa bassion poor. I both see regulars a son gagement of 201 00:26:22.559 --> 00:26:30.799 out service and a b Appo bidjan the gizid connect with monkey not memo? 202 00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:41.160 Who was sup serious? Batim complete. I want to start with a few 203 00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:48.759 thoughts on Marc Lalande, who was an extraordinary Canadian, brilliant, thoughtful, 204 00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:52.799 committed to service, who was of course an excellent friend to my father, 205 00:26:52.920 --> 00:26:56.400 but he was also a really good friend to me who gave me counsel and 206 00:26:56.640 --> 00:27:03.079 advice, particularly in my early days on politics, and his commitment and passion 207 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:11.319 for this country and for its people was unmatched. Who will be sorely missed, 208 00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:15.720 particularly by all those who love him. And that my thoughts go out 209 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:22.839 today. I just got off the phone with Bigger Smith Alberta to express the 210 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:26.720 fact that Canadians stand with the people of Alberta as they deal with these terrible, 211 00:27:26.880 --> 00:27:33.920 terrible wildfires. All weekend we were watching images from from communities affected by 212 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:38.119 this wealth of the wildfires, and I assured I know that we will be 213 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:42.000 there to help. We talked a lot of the different ways of the government 214 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:47.960 can help community. Working to make sure that we're supporting Alburdans right across the 215 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:52.519 province as necessary as we always do. The federal government is there to be 216 00:27:52.640 --> 00:27:57.440 there for people who will continue to do that in Alberta and elsewhere where people 217 00:27:57.480 --> 00:28:02.599 are affected by feeing, whether that's I'm want to high right as well, 218 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:06.240 we will be working with the Red Cross to put forward a matching fund so 219 00:28:06.680 --> 00:28:11.000 our Canadians who are watching people and go through these stor nearly difficult times are 220 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:15.119 able to send their support. It's what we do. Canadians are there for 221 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:19.000 each other in different times and we will continue to be of course, assuming 222 00:28:19.079 --> 00:28:29.240 muture confusures about rather a f amnist for Smith Poole, but that's we developed 223 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:34.039 one fig APO right, what id not necessarss only food Foday or Alberta. 224 00:28:36.519 --> 00:28:41.279 You can add sat to develop the more fig sallow and in the months. 225 00:28:41.319 --> 00:28:45.960 If you see the vid monicici of a logicis term it's disaster. So because 226 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:48.839 I don't have a year, Nick, we development MONDA or individuals. If 227 00:28:48.839 --> 00:28:56.160 you can, I'm a dotorship programming seekings an only to the shop kit a 228 00:28:56.319 --> 00:29:02.000 program then yeah, and that quaboo. So we can add of Uhl the 229 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:14.440 adult figure, that kind of alagi, of me us alone, of the 230 00:29:14.640 --> 00:29:25.960 Thurday, that us introducing the Cuzna Seek cushion, a revolutionary cushion that will 231 00:29:26.039 --> 00:29:30.480 transform you're sitting experience. People everywhere around the road are talking about its many 232 00:29:44.559 --> 00:29:48.599 Good afternoon everyone. I'm joined Mike Ellis, the Minister of Public Safety and 233 00:29:48.640 --> 00:29:52.240 Emergency Services. Also with us is Colin Blair, the executive director of the 234 00:29:52.359 --> 00:29:59.480 Alberta Emergency Management Agency, and once again Christy Tucker, the information unit manager 235 00:29:59.599 --> 00:30:03.119 from a Alberta wildfire. Also joining us as Paul Winnock, the Deputy Minister 236 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:08.079 of Health. He's available to answer technical questions on the state of affected healthcare 237 00:30:08.119 --> 00:30:12.279 facilities. I want to begin by saying that I'm deeply proud of the incredible 238 00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:18.359 dedication and resilience of our first responders, our communities, our first nations and 239 00:30:18.640 --> 00:30:22.799 Matey settlement partners and all Alburtons. There is no question that this is a 240 00:30:22.920 --> 00:30:27.160 challenging time. Tens of thousands of people have been forced from their homes and 241 00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:32.200 their jobs. They're leaving behind all they own, wondering if they will lose 242 00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:36.960 everything that they've worked for and while many Albertons are being forced to evacuate, 243 00:30:37.160 --> 00:30:41.079 firefighters and first responders from across the province and the country are doing their absolute 244 00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:48.559 best to control the destruction and protect Alberton's lives and property. Albertons cannot thank 245 00:30:48.640 --> 00:30:52.720 them enough for their efforts. Just yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit 246 00:30:52.759 --> 00:30:57.119 the evacuation center that has been set up in Edmonton. Despite the difficult challenges 247 00:30:57.160 --> 00:31:02.119 that everyone was facing, there was a sounding sense of help and optimism from 248 00:31:02.160 --> 00:31:06.960 both the hard working volunteers who are helping those who are displaced and our friends 249 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:11.480 and neighbors who are forced to evacuate. I also toured some of the affected 250 00:31:11.680 --> 00:31:15.599 wildfire areas near Endwhistle and received a thorough briefing from the local team on the 251 00:31:15.720 --> 00:31:22.160 state of the situation in that community. This is an incredibly stressful time and 252 00:31:22.319 --> 00:31:26.920 we know Albertons need extra support while they are out of their homes and communities, 253 00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:30.799 and that's why we're announcing that additional help is on the way for wildfire 254 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:38.200 evacuees. Starting tomorrow, the government will begin providing one time emergency financial assistance 255 00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:45.000 to residents who have been forced to evacuate due to these wildfires. Every adult 256 00:31:45.160 --> 00:31:51.839 who's been evacuated and displaced for seven consecutive days will receive one two hundred and 257 00:31:51.880 --> 00:31:56.720 fifty dollars, along with an additional five hundred dollars for each dependent child under 258 00:31:56.839 --> 00:32:02.960 age eighteen. This means that an evacuated family of four will receive thirty five 259 00:32:04.119 --> 00:32:07.480 hundred dollars to help get through these dark days and to meet their immediate needs. 260 00:32:08.039 --> 00:32:13.640 These payments will help evacuees pay for accommodations, food, and other basic 261 00:32:13.759 --> 00:32:17.440 necessities. That payments will make those expenses one less thing for people to worry 262 00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:21.839 about, so that they can concentrate on their families and their own well being. 263 00:32:22.480 --> 00:32:24.519 We know that this is a tough time, so we've made the application 264 00:32:24.640 --> 00:32:31.319 process quick and easy. Evacuees can apply online using a verified Alberta dot CAA 265 00:32:31.440 --> 00:32:37.799 account. Payments will be provided through e transfer once your eligibility is confirmed, 266 00:32:37.839 --> 00:32:40.240 and that process can take as little as twenty four hours. This is the 267 00:32:40.359 --> 00:32:45.000 most efficient way to receive your evacuation payment and to get it as quickly as 268 00:32:45.079 --> 00:32:51.000 possible. However, we do recognize that applying online may not be an option 269 00:32:51.200 --> 00:32:54.839 for everyone. If you are unable to apply online or you can't receive the 270 00:32:54.960 --> 00:33:00.599 e transfer, people can also call the Wildfire Resource Line. We've heard this 271 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:05.799 number before, We'll say it again, three ten four four five five. 272 00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:09.279 Once they are eligible, I'd like to just repeat that number. It's three 273 00:33:09.400 --> 00:33:15.519 ten four four five five. Staff will be able to help with applications and 274 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:22.200 make alternate payment arrangements. The Government of Alberta is also working to ensure residents 275 00:33:22.240 --> 00:33:28.400 in remote locations, including Indigenous reserves and mate settlements, will get these payments 276 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:31.319 as well. These payments are only one part of our ongoing response, but 277 00:33:31.480 --> 00:33:37.599 they are a critical lifeline for evacuees in their hour of need. We will 278 00:33:37.680 --> 00:33:43.559 ensure everyone who is eligible to receive an emergency payment will get one. And 279 00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:47.559 earlier today, I did have an opportunity to speak with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 280 00:33:49.240 --> 00:33:54.880 after updating him on the situation we facing Alberton's. I first thanked him for 281 00:33:55.279 --> 00:34:04.400 the work of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center, which has already been activated 282 00:34:04.599 --> 00:34:07.559 and working with our team here. It's part of the reason why we already 283 00:34:07.639 --> 00:34:12.440 have crews from other provinces who have been arriving. And you'll hear more about 284 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:16.440 that later, but after talking with Prime Minister, we sent a formal request 285 00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:22.559 for additional assistance. Minister Mike Ellis will provide an update on that shortly. 286 00:34:22.280 --> 00:34:28.800 During our call, Prime Minister Trudeau confirmed that the military will be sent to 287 00:34:28.920 --> 00:34:34.920 assist if necessary. We will continue to keep communication channels open with the federal 288 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:39.119 government as we respond to this unprecedented situation. I'd also like to provide a 289 00:34:39.239 --> 00:34:45.960 brief update on evacuations and their impact on our healthcare system. As of this 290 00:34:45.159 --> 00:34:51.239 morning, almost three hundred patients and long term care residents have been safely evacuated 291 00:34:51.360 --> 00:34:57.199 from four Alberta House Services sites, including Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Center, 292 00:34:57.800 --> 00:35:02.519 Edson Healthcare Center, Fox Greek Healthcare Center, and High Prairie Health Complex. 293 00:35:04.159 --> 00:35:07.480 These evacuations have gone very well thanks to the cooperation of those having to move 294 00:35:07.639 --> 00:35:13.480 and the hard work of our staff, physicians, and supporting agencies. These 295 00:35:13.559 --> 00:35:19.800 relocations are happening through EMS, through chartered buses and flights is required depending on 296 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:24.079 specific needs. Healthcare workers across the province are working around the clock to ensure 297 00:35:24.159 --> 00:35:30.199 patients and residents are safely cared for in temporary locations, and HS is contacting 298 00:35:30.280 --> 00:35:35.960 the families of loved ones to share the patient and resident location information, and 299 00:35:36.039 --> 00:35:39.119 I want to be clear, despite these evacuations, our healthcare system is still 300 00:35:39.239 --> 00:35:44.440 wellcliped equipped and will continue to meet the needs of Albertans from all corners of 301 00:35:44.480 --> 00:35:49.000 the province. I want to thank our frontline staff, leaders and physicians who 302 00:35:49.039 --> 00:35:52.559 have come together to support the response across Alberta health services and especially to those 303 00:35:52.880 --> 00:35:58.119 who have been evacuated along with their families. Over the past few days, 304 00:35:58.159 --> 00:36:00.960 we have heard countless stories of individibal Albertans stepping up to lend a hand, 305 00:36:02.280 --> 00:36:07.920 whether it's volunteering, making a financial contribution through the Canadian Red Cross or another 306 00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:13.599 charity, or donating clothes. Albertons have demonstrated their generosity and sense of caring 307 00:36:13.679 --> 00:36:19.840 throughout this unprecedented situation, and any Alberton who donates a cash contribution can receive 308 00:36:19.880 --> 00:36:23.719 a non refund charitable tax credit on their first two hundred dollars thanks to a 309 00:36:23.880 --> 00:36:30.119 sixty percent charitable tax credit from the province and fifteen percent from the federal government. 310 00:36:30.239 --> 00:36:34.079 We made that recent change in budget twenty twenty three. We've also seen 311 00:36:34.199 --> 00:36:39.000 various companies step up and provide generous contributions in support of the current situation. 312 00:36:39.519 --> 00:36:45.159 I'd like to quickly acknowledge Tellis, who today made an initial commitment of five 313 00:36:45.280 --> 00:36:50.960 million dollars in cash and in kind donations to local charities and organizations supporting relief 314 00:36:51.000 --> 00:36:57.440 efforts and first responders, and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation will be dedicating net 315 00:36:57.519 --> 00:37:01.480 proceeds from the Oilers playoffs fifty fifty starting tomorrow May ninth, until the end 316 00:37:01.519 --> 00:37:07.079 of Round two to the Canadian Red Cross in support of the humanitarian effort to 317 00:37:07.159 --> 00:37:12.119 help Alburton's affected by these wildfires. Additionally, during my call earlier today, 318 00:37:12.159 --> 00:37:15.760 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the federal government is working with the Red Cross and 319 00:37:15.880 --> 00:37:20.639 will match donations on behalf of the Government of Alberta. I want to thank 320 00:37:20.719 --> 00:37:25.079 everyone, both individual Alburtons and companies who have contributed to to the support of 321 00:37:25.119 --> 00:37:30.480 this emergency. Finally, before I conclude and turnover to Minister Ellis, I 322 00:37:30.559 --> 00:37:36.440 would like to make a call out to anyone who is trained and qualified in 323 00:37:36.599 --> 00:37:39.920 firefighting who would like to be and would be willing to volunteer. If you 324 00:37:40.039 --> 00:37:46.079 work for a private sector company, if you are firefighting qualified and you are 325 00:37:46.159 --> 00:37:52.719 willing to lend a helping hand. Please email Emergency Support Offers at gov dot 326 00:37:52.840 --> 00:38:02.119 ABTA. That's emergency support offers at gov dot eb dot CA. Government officials 327 00:38:02.480 --> 00:38:07.239 will assess your qualifications and let you know how you can help play a role 328 00:38:07.280 --> 00:38:10.639 in responding to this unprecedented fire season. Thank you, and I'd now like 329 00:38:10.760 --> 00:38:20.360 to invite Mike Ellis to share some opening remarks, So again, thank you, 330 00:38:20.880 --> 00:38:24.280 Thank you Premier. In good afternoon everyone, So I want to express 331 00:38:24.360 --> 00:38:32.519 my support to all Olburtons who have been evacuated in their communities, those who 332 00:38:32.519 --> 00:38:37.320 are in the process of being evacuated, and those who are beginning to return 333 00:38:37.400 --> 00:38:42.119 home. We stand closely with you during this very challenging time. Thank you 334 00:38:42.159 --> 00:38:46.360 again to all of our frontline, especially those firefighters and first responders who are 335 00:38:46.400 --> 00:38:52.559 working tirelessly to protect Elburtons, their homes, their communities throughout this emergency. 336 00:38:52.159 --> 00:38:57.559 And a big thank you to the volunteers and those who have offered support to 337 00:38:57.679 --> 00:39:02.719 their fellow Elburtons. The resilience and compassion of Alburton's in the face of adversity 338 00:39:02.840 --> 00:39:08.400 represents the very best of this province. The top priority of Alberta's government and 339 00:39:09.599 --> 00:39:14.880 is and will continue to be keeping Alberton safe during this state of emergency. 340 00:39:15.679 --> 00:39:21.239 As you've all seen over the weekend, this is a rapidly changing situation and 341 00:39:21.320 --> 00:39:25.960 we continue to take steps to respond to situation as the need arises. The 342 00:39:27.039 --> 00:39:31.920 albert Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with all impacted communities to respond rapidly to the 343 00:39:32.039 --> 00:39:37.840 fires and their effects. I continue to have great confidence in our emergency responders 344 00:39:37.960 --> 00:39:43.000 and the important work that they are doing across this province. Furthermore, I 345 00:39:43.239 --> 00:39:49.039 have been in continuous contact with my federal counterpart as we continue to work together 346 00:39:49.079 --> 00:39:53.039 to utilize all possible resources in responding to this emergency. Earlier today, I 347 00:39:53.239 --> 00:39:57.239 did send as the Premier i mentioned, I did send a letter to Minister 348 00:39:57.360 --> 00:40:01.800 Blair and Minister Menachino outlining our request for federal assistance. We've asked the federal 349 00:40:01.880 --> 00:40:07.880 government to provide support in the following areas. Number one, the provision of 350 00:40:07.360 --> 00:40:15.599 firefighting resources, the prepositioning of strategic airlift resources for the evacuation of isolated communities, 351 00:40:16.440 --> 00:40:24.039 engineering supports along with heavy equipment resources, water purification resources, the continued 352 00:40:24.440 --> 00:40:30.920 assistance of additional Royal Canadian Mounted Police to support security and evacuation as required, 353 00:40:30.679 --> 00:40:37.239 the costs related to the RCMP operations within the province for the wildfire response, 354 00:40:37.039 --> 00:40:44.320 the provision of the military personnel to provide a measure of security for evacuated communities 355 00:40:44.360 --> 00:40:50.719 to guard against looting and disorder. An exemption from the federal federal requirements to 356 00:40:50.840 --> 00:40:58.800 extend flight hours for air support related to firefighting and required evacuations. Reimbursement of 357 00:40:58.920 --> 00:41:04.639 costs related to expenditures for supporting First Nations communities impacted by wildfires, and constructions 358 00:41:04.679 --> 00:41:10.760 of those communities. Flexibility and exceptions. We're applicable for the Elberton's receiving employment 359 00:41:10.800 --> 00:41:16.239 insurance as well as rapid enrollment for those being evacuated or businesses closed because of 360 00:41:16.400 --> 00:41:22.239 the wildfires. And I just want to say that I've certainly recently actually spoken 361 00:41:22.280 --> 00:41:28.960 to Minister Blair and he is beginning to start to action the items on the 362 00:41:29.039 --> 00:41:34.559 list that we have provided them. So before I continue, I'd like to 363 00:41:35.440 --> 00:41:40.239 caution that we have been informed by you know, the Canadian our forces that 364 00:41:40.400 --> 00:41:47.079 we do have limited fire fighting capabilities. And I let everybody know that because 365 00:41:47.079 --> 00:41:52.559 there is no silver bullet solution in our response to you know, every action 366 00:41:52.760 --> 00:41:57.599 to this very complex situation. Every action is being taken as part of a 367 00:41:57.800 --> 00:42:04.280 coordinated response and a strategy to address this emergency. We have full faith and 368 00:42:04.360 --> 00:42:12.960 competence in our firefighters and with wildlife, we certainly have full full confidence in 369 00:42:13.000 --> 00:42:17.760 the Alberta Emergency Management Association and it is absolutely a coordinated effort not just across 370 00:42:19.159 --> 00:42:23.679 the province, but a coordinated effort in the throughout the country to ensure that 371 00:42:23.719 --> 00:42:28.599 we address not just the fires that are going on in Alberta, but of 372 00:42:28.679 --> 00:42:32.880 course as well as British Columbia and Saskatchewan who also have fires that are currently 373 00:42:32.920 --> 00:42:39.079 ongoing. As Premier outlined, the new emergency evacuation payments are now part of 374 00:42:39.159 --> 00:42:44.000 the support available to Alberton's who have been evacuated over a period of more than 375 00:42:44.079 --> 00:42:47.440 seven days. Details are available online and will be updated in real time. 376 00:42:47.960 --> 00:42:52.679 Evacuees can visit to Alberta dot c a slash emergency to apply for their payment 377 00:42:52.800 --> 00:42:59.000 using a verified Alberta dot c A account. That site again is Alberta dot 378 00:42:59.039 --> 00:43:02.199 c a slash Emergency and we also have the most up to date information on 379 00:43:02.400 --> 00:43:08.960 the evolving emergency situation. If you're in an affected area, please register as 380 00:43:09.400 --> 00:43:15.320 an evacuee at your local reception center and staff will connect you to the resources 381 00:43:15.360 --> 00:43:19.679 and assistance that are available. This has been a very, very difficult time 382 00:43:19.880 --> 00:43:23.159 for students who have been displaced due to wildfire evacuations, and I'm going to 383 00:43:23.199 --> 00:43:28.079 provide you a REEF update on the impact on the schools. So as of 384 00:43:28.320 --> 00:43:31.679 eleven am today, there have been fifty four schools that have been closed as 385 00:43:31.719 --> 00:43:37.559 a result of the wildfire evacuations, affecting approximately ten thousand, five hundred students. 386 00:43:37.400 --> 00:43:44.880 Contingency plans are being developed in place to support the continued learning of students 387 00:43:45.199 --> 00:43:52.239 if any evacuation persists for longer than the longer for a longer period of time, 388 00:43:52.880 --> 00:43:57.199 officials are going to continue to provide updates on schools and contingency plans as 389 00:43:57.280 --> 00:44:01.480 needed and now, as this week and has shown, the emergency situation is 390 00:44:01.840 --> 00:44:07.039 constantly changing, so I want to be very clear to all Elburton's whether you're 391 00:44:07.320 --> 00:44:12.519 close to an area that is currently impacted or not. Again, I'm going 392 00:44:12.559 --> 00:44:15.239 to repeat this, it is immensely important to take the steps that are necessary 393 00:44:15.320 --> 00:44:19.320 to prepare yourself in the event that you have to leave your home due to 394 00:44:19.400 --> 00:44:24.440 an emergency. You can never be too prepared and there are great resources available 395 00:44:24.480 --> 00:44:29.840 at Alberta dot c if you need an idea of what you may need to 396 00:44:29.880 --> 00:44:35.440 start with, So prepare that emergency kit with seventy two hours worth of food, 397 00:44:35.679 --> 00:44:42.159 water, critical documents for state kits, medication or any other necessities. 398 00:44:42.559 --> 00:44:46.159 I understand in times like this this is very distressing for everyone, so I 399 00:44:46.239 --> 00:44:51.880 want to remind everyone also that help is available to any Alberton who's struggling with 400 00:44:52.559 --> 00:44:55.119 mental health concerns that they might be facing at this time. You can call 401 00:44:55.239 --> 00:44:59.960 to one one to one one is available day or night to find mental health 402 00:45:00.079 --> 00:45:04.119 supports and programs to support your wellness. No matter where you are in this 403 00:45:04.280 --> 00:45:08.480 province, mental health services will be there when you need them. Albertan seeking 404 00:45:08.519 --> 00:45:15.280 counseling supports can also visit Counseling Alberta dot CAA to access same day counseling services 405 00:45:15.840 --> 00:45:21.400 with low or no fees. Lastly, while I don't believe it to be 406 00:45:21.480 --> 00:45:25.440 widespread issue at this time, I certainly have heard some examples of price gauging 407 00:45:27.159 --> 00:45:31.639 which might be occurring within the province and areas where a vacuees are being sheltered. 408 00:45:32.360 --> 00:45:38.480 I want to be very very crystal clear on this. Albertans are not 409 00:45:38.639 --> 00:45:46.000 going to accept price gauging and we are going to offer the assistance where people 410 00:45:46.320 --> 00:45:51.639 most need it. I will just say these are rumors at best at this 411 00:45:51.800 --> 00:45:54.800 time, but I just want to say for anybody who may believe that there 412 00:45:54.880 --> 00:45:59.280 might be some price gouging that is going on, or they suspect any form 413 00:45:59.360 --> 00:46:02.840 of price gauging, please just call Service Alberta again. You can call it 414 00:46:02.920 --> 00:46:07.679 through that number of three one zero four four five five Again, that's three 415 00:46:07.719 --> 00:46:12.400 one zero four four five five. And before I end, I just want 416 00:46:12.480 --> 00:46:16.639 to reiterate that we remain committed to ensuring that all Albertons are safe and secure 417 00:46:16.880 --> 00:46:19.880 and we are going to get through this, and we're going to get through 418 00:46:19.920 --> 00:46:22.559 this together. So please everyone stay safe out there, and thank you. 419 00:46:22.639 --> 00:46:27.280 I'm going to now hand this over to Colin Blair to provide some technical updates 420 00:46:27.400 --> 00:46:50.800 on the albert Emergency Management Agency and their response. Thank you, Good afternoon 421 00:46:50.880 --> 00:46:55.639 everyone. Alberta continues to be under a state of provincial emergency and response efforts 422 00:46:55.679 --> 00:47:01.400 are focusing still on protecting and supporting Alberton's during these wildfires. The Provincial Emergency 423 00:47:01.440 --> 00:47:07.719 Coordination Center continues to coordinate the response and remains at Level four, which is 424 00:47:07.800 --> 00:47:14.079 the highest level. We now have ninety eight active wildfires burning in the province. 425 00:47:14.880 --> 00:47:17.320 In addition to the provincial state of emergency, there are seventeen states of 426 00:47:17.440 --> 00:47:24.360 local emergency, as well as two banned council resolutions. We strongly encourage all 427 00:47:24.440 --> 00:47:30.360 Alburtons to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app so you get alerts right to your 428 00:47:30.400 --> 00:47:35.320 phone. At this time, there are fifteen evacuation orders in place, with 429 00:47:35.480 --> 00:47:40.599 more than twenty nine tho individuals safely evacuated from their homes and ten thousand evacuees 430 00:47:40.840 --> 00:47:46.679 have registered at eleven reception centers. I highly encourage all evacuees to register. 431 00:47:47.199 --> 00:47:51.920 If you're not able to attend a reception center, then go to the Wildfire 432 00:47:52.079 --> 00:47:59.039 Emergency Updates on Alberta dot CAA and register online. Evacuees who require assistance can 433 00:47:59.119 --> 00:48:04.480 also call the three four four five five for wildfire and evacuee related information. 434 00:48:05.760 --> 00:48:08.280 As of this morning, the evacuation order for the town of Edson and some 435 00:48:08.480 --> 00:48:15.039 areas of Yellowhead County from Marlborough to the Chip Lake area have officially been lifted 436 00:48:15.119 --> 00:48:20.679 by the municipality. People have asked about re entry. Let's be clear, 437 00:48:21.039 --> 00:48:24.880 there's a process for entry and is crucial that evacuates follow the direction of the 438 00:48:24.960 --> 00:48:30.880 local authority. When each local authorities and Senate Commander is determined that a community 439 00:48:30.000 --> 00:48:35.920 is safe, then efforts will shift to planning for re entry. We continue 440 00:48:35.920 --> 00:48:39.119 to work with partners in all levels of government disover emergency supports. As the 441 00:48:39.199 --> 00:48:44.880 situation continues to evolve and change, it's important for all Albertons to check the 442 00:48:44.960 --> 00:48:47.800 latest information on the status of the wildfires in their communities, as well as 443 00:48:47.840 --> 00:48:52.519 any evacuation alerts and orders. Again, for the most up to date information, 444 00:48:52.599 --> 00:48:58.760 Alberton should fallow notifications and advisory from the local municipalities, monitor Alberta dot 445 00:48:58.840 --> 00:49:04.320 CIA and the Wildfire Status Dashboard online. Thank you, and I would now 446 00:49:04.480 --> 00:49:07.280 like to turn things over to Christy from Alberta Wildfire for more information on the 447 00:49:07.400 --> 00:49:24.000 situation. Thank you, Colin. As Colin mentioned at the moment, there 448 00:49:24.039 --> 00:49:30.840 are ninety eight wildfires burning in Alberta and twenty seven of those are considered out 449 00:49:30.880 --> 00:49:35.800 of control. The total area burned for the province this year has now passed 450 00:49:35.920 --> 00:49:40.440 three hundred and ninety thousand hectares. But today we have seen a continuation of 451 00:49:40.679 --> 00:49:46.320 yesterday's break in the hot weather across most of the province, with light scattered 452 00:49:46.360 --> 00:49:52.599 showers and light winds too. This is giving firefighters a helping hand causing less 453 00:49:52.639 --> 00:49:57.760 active wildfire, allowing them to work on parts of fires they hadn't been able 454 00:49:57.800 --> 00:50:00.840 to access before. It's a mud need, a chance to make progress on 455 00:50:01.000 --> 00:50:06.760 some of these powerful, challenging wildfires, but we're not out of the woods 456 00:50:06.880 --> 00:50:10.440 yet. We're expecting to warm up towards the weekend, which could raise fire 457 00:50:10.519 --> 00:50:15.400 danger levels again, and we anticipate the wind direction could shift, which will 458 00:50:15.480 --> 00:50:22.239 change how we tackle these fires. Alberta currently has over seven hundred wildland firefighters, 459 00:50:22.599 --> 00:50:28.239 along with heavy equipment and air tankers responding to wildfires in the province. 460 00:50:29.039 --> 00:50:32.559 An extra twenty firefighters arrived from British Columbia yesterday and now'll be sent to assist 461 00:50:32.679 --> 00:50:37.480 on wildfires, along with close to eighty wildland firefighters that came from Ontario and 462 00:50:37.559 --> 00:50:45.440 Quebec. We've also requested additional firefighting resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center 463 00:50:45.519 --> 00:50:50.199 in Winnipeg. We've asked for up to a thousand firefighters from the Yukon, 464 00:50:50.440 --> 00:50:53.679 Ontario, Nova Scotia New Brunswick and we're expecting them to arrive in the next 465 00:50:53.760 --> 00:51:00.159 week. At this time, all Alburtons need to take extra care that they 466 00:51:00.199 --> 00:51:05.039 don't start a wildfire no matter where they are, So please respect the fire 467 00:51:05.079 --> 00:51:08.760 bands or off highway vehicle restrictions that are in place across the forest protection area 468 00:51:08.840 --> 00:51:13.960 of the province. And if you see smoke or fire in the forest, 469 00:51:14.840 --> 00:51:19.480 please call three ten Fire to report it and help us keep everyone safe. 470 00:51:20.239 --> 00:51:27.840 Thank you. Just before we get to questions, I just want to clarify 471 00:51:27.880 --> 00:51:30.639 a point. I apologize to everyone. I made a bit of an error 472 00:51:30.920 --> 00:51:36.760 on my notes there. In speaking with Minister Blair, he had indicated to 473 00:51:36.880 --> 00:51:39.440 me, because I always want to temper the expectations that some people have with 474 00:51:39.559 --> 00:51:46.000 our Canadian military. He indicated to me that the Canadian military is limited in 475 00:51:46.079 --> 00:51:50.880 their capabilities when it comes to firefighting. It's not us, I must say. 476 00:51:50.920 --> 00:51:53.159 The outstanding work that's being done by the men and women who are fighting 477 00:51:53.199 --> 00:51:58.519 fires. One of the things that Minister Blair reiterated to me is that we 478 00:51:58.679 --> 00:52:02.119 have a top notch organization. Probably one of if not the best in Canada 479 00:52:02.199 --> 00:52:06.880 when it comes to firefighting, and so I just wanted to probably that clarification. 480 00:52:06.920 --> 00:52:07.920 We can go to questions now, thank you. Perfect. So the 481 00:52:07.960 --> 00:52:13.079 Premier Minister Elis Christie Tucker from Upbera Wildfire, Colin Blair from the Ubera Emergency 482 00:52:13.159 --> 00:52:15.960 Management Agency, and Health Deputy Minister Paul Winnick are available to answer questions. 483 00:52:16.039 --> 00:52:19.760 We'll go to in person questions first, and there is a microphone at the 484 00:52:19.840 --> 00:52:22.119 right of the room. One question, one follow up. Please state your 485 00:52:22.199 --> 00:52:27.440 damon outlet and please keep questions to wildfire the topic of the wildfire only. 486 00:52:27.639 --> 00:52:30.280 And I might just say that when I was coming in, I got a 487 00:52:30.519 --> 00:52:37.079 chance to meet Brigadier General Graham and he indicated that the Princess Patricia Canadian Light 488 00:52:37.119 --> 00:52:42.199 Infantry do have a three hundred people trained in some firefighting, so that will 489 00:52:42.239 --> 00:52:44.960 help since they are close to home, and they'll also be putting out a 490 00:52:45.000 --> 00:52:49.880 call to their reservists who also have firefighting training, and so we may be 491 00:52:49.960 --> 00:52:54.119 able to have some local help faster than we expected. So that's good news 492 00:52:54.199 --> 00:52:58.599 to have as well. Hi in a cool wiseberg with CTV News, I 493 00:52:58.639 --> 00:53:04.239 wanted to ask about call out for volunteers. Has Alberta ever done this before? 494 00:53:04.360 --> 00:53:07.119 And why do you feel the need to put it those this call out 495 00:53:07.199 --> 00:53:10.559 right now, especially considering you are getting so many more resources. I'll tell 496 00:53:10.559 --> 00:53:15.159 you why. We've got a new Minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism, 497 00:53:15.239 --> 00:53:20.599 Todd Lowen, and one of the things that he said very early on is 498 00:53:20.719 --> 00:53:24.400 that we have a number of indigenous communities that have local firefighting expertise. Indeed, 499 00:53:24.440 --> 00:53:27.920 when I talked to the chief up north, he had said that they 500 00:53:28.000 --> 00:53:30.000 have as many as four hundred and fifty people who are trained in firefighting, 501 00:53:30.360 --> 00:53:35.440 and so he wanted to find a pathway so that people can be brought on 502 00:53:35.639 --> 00:53:39.719 board safely. We want to ensure that individuals who are lending a hand are 503 00:53:39.880 --> 00:53:44.000 going to have the sufficient training so that they can work with the teams, 504 00:53:44.159 --> 00:53:46.159 and so we are giving it a try. As you heard, we have 505 00:53:46.559 --> 00:53:52.239 a force here in our own department of just over seven hundred, and as 506 00:53:52.480 --> 00:53:54.840 CHRISTI mentioned, we're doing a call for a thousand from outside of province. 507 00:53:55.199 --> 00:53:59.840 We know that from what we'd heard in the previous update, some of these 508 00:54:00.360 --> 00:54:04.360 may continue on for several months, and so if we can use the resources 509 00:54:04.400 --> 00:54:06.880 that are already here from people who are able to help. We want to 510 00:54:06.920 --> 00:54:08.199 be open to doing that, but we want to do it in a safe 511 00:54:08.199 --> 00:54:10.840 way and make sure that those who are brought in are trained up to the 512 00:54:10.920 --> 00:54:15.519 same standard that will allow them to integrate effectively into the team. So we're 513 00:54:15.519 --> 00:54:19.119 going to give it a try. And this is for wildfire officials. I 514 00:54:19.199 --> 00:54:21.280 know this has been asked every day, but I'm wondering if you have a 515 00:54:21.320 --> 00:54:25.119 better idea of the loss of infrastructure at this point in some of the areas, 516 00:54:25.159 --> 00:54:35.280 including Drain Valley and Twhistle area. I'll take that question. So we 517 00:54:35.440 --> 00:54:38.320 are continuing to gather information on this. The first thing that we need to 518 00:54:38.400 --> 00:54:45.960 make sure is that the wildfire threats been eliminated and it is part of the 519 00:54:45.039 --> 00:54:50.199 reentry process. So while we do not have a conclusive number, because we 520 00:54:50.280 --> 00:54:53.159 have a number of active fires that are still threatening municipalities, we continue to 521 00:54:53.199 --> 00:54:58.880 work on those numbers and they're held by the municipalities and the intent is is 522 00:54:58.960 --> 00:55:02.559 that when they move into re entry, they're contacting people who are impacted. 523 00:55:04.280 --> 00:55:07.239 All right, we're gonna go to the phone lines for Radio Canada. We 524 00:55:07.280 --> 00:55:09.119 do have a French translator so we'll just ask that you ask your question in 525 00:55:09.239 --> 00:55:15.360 English. When we get to you, the appropriate official or cabinet member will 526 00:55:15.360 --> 00:55:19.519 answer in English and then the translator will provide a French response. So operator, 527 00:55:19.519 --> 00:55:22.599 could you please put through the first caller. I thank your first Bowers 528 00:55:22.599 --> 00:55:29.000 closed the boer CCP calroup. Apologies here. I thought it was going to 529 00:55:29.039 --> 00:55:30.639 be a little later down here, But Premier, I just want to ask 530 00:55:30.679 --> 00:55:34.880 you. You were vaculators Arizona. You and your husband operated a restaurant in 531 00:55:34.960 --> 00:55:37.039 High River at the time of the comments that have been circulating. You were 532 00:55:37.119 --> 00:55:43.159 following me so called tyrannical measures set out by your predecessor, Jason Kenney called 533 00:55:43.199 --> 00:55:45.960 the restriction Coxemption program. So you have to ensure guests are back then for 534 00:55:46.239 --> 00:55:51.239 dining. If you see vacuated Albertons or followers of Hitler, would you include 535 00:55:51.280 --> 00:55:53.719 yourself as Premier at the follower of Hitler? And why didn't you stand up 536 00:55:53.719 --> 00:55:59.440 against those measures from Jason Kenny Well, I've issued a statement regarding my comments. 537 00:55:59.480 --> 00:56:02.559 Have always remained a friend to the Jewish community, to Israel and to 538 00:56:02.679 --> 00:56:06.760 our veterans, and I would ask you to reach out to my office for 539 00:56:06.840 --> 00:56:09.280 copy of my statement. Do you have an on topic follow up question? 540 00:56:13.599 --> 00:56:15.239 I'm good, all right, operator, Can you please put through the next 541 00:56:15.280 --> 00:56:23.880 collar? Thank you see if posluse good afternoon. On to the question here 542 00:56:23.960 --> 00:56:29.159 for I'm not really sure here. I'm thinking minister like Ellis may be best 543 00:56:29.199 --> 00:56:32.760 positions to answer this, maybe the Premier. I'm just wondering about this escalation 544 00:56:34.920 --> 00:56:39.559 to the military. Why are we not seeing military resources being deployed right this 545 00:56:39.800 --> 00:56:44.280 second. You know a lot of people were saying that we should have seen 546 00:56:44.320 --> 00:56:47.719 it last week and now this week. My understanding, based off what you 547 00:56:47.800 --> 00:56:52.719 guys were saying, is that there is still sort of escalation planning happening. 548 00:56:52.599 --> 00:57:00.000 When will we see those extra resources out there helping people that are being displayed? 549 00:57:00.719 --> 00:57:02.880 Well I can. I can tell you that I came in today and 550 00:57:02.960 --> 00:57:07.679 I was delighted to see that the Brigadier General Graham was already here, saying 551 00:57:07.719 --> 00:57:15.320 that they had already forces as needed. He introduced me to several members of 552 00:57:15.400 --> 00:57:22.039 his team, including the head of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, and 553 00:57:22.519 --> 00:57:25.920 indicated that they had three hundred firefighters that would be willing to be put or 554 00:57:25.960 --> 00:57:30.400 able to be put into service. The issues that we'd asked of the Prime 555 00:57:30.440 --> 00:57:36.239 Minister was to do an assessment of where our military would best be able to 556 00:57:36.320 --> 00:57:40.559 help, and as Minister Ellis mentioned, we talked about firefighting, so that 557 00:57:40.800 --> 00:57:46.159 was one issue I spoke with the Brigader General Graham about doing engineering. One 558 00:57:46.159 --> 00:57:51.000 of the things that I observed when I went out to Parkland County yesterday is 559 00:57:51.039 --> 00:57:55.239 that there are fireguards that are created with twelve meter wide and they have the 560 00:57:55.360 --> 00:57:59.920 capacity to do that kind of work as well. And the third area that 561 00:58:00.119 --> 00:58:04.960 I had asked about was whether military could be deployed to assist in making sure 562 00:58:05.039 --> 00:58:07.320 communities that were evacuated were safe, and that's an area that would require a 563 00:58:07.360 --> 00:58:12.000 little bit more work, but it sounds like they are already willing and have 564 00:58:12.079 --> 00:58:15.559 the capability to do those first two items. And the fact that they met 565 00:58:15.639 --> 00:58:19.280 me here today says to me that the message got through. I just need 566 00:58:19.320 --> 00:58:22.760 to be clear on something though, is that I spoke with the Prime Minister 567 00:58:22.000 --> 00:58:31.360 and just pointed out that the Internet Agency Forest Fire Center has worked extra extremely 568 00:58:31.440 --> 00:58:36.360 well for us. I asked him about the how long it had been in 569 00:58:36.440 --> 00:58:39.079 operation, and we've had it in operation in our country since nineteen eighty two, 570 00:58:39.639 --> 00:58:45.039 and that's the way in which all of the various firefighting resources have been 571 00:58:45.119 --> 00:58:49.760 coordinated, and he acknowledged that. I think that the coordination has been even 572 00:58:49.840 --> 00:58:54.239 better since the Fort McMurray fires. So the agencies have been working on trying 573 00:58:54.320 --> 00:58:59.000 to get deployment of those resources here right from the beginning. That's part of 574 00:58:59.079 --> 00:59:01.360 the reason why with the requests that are oh, we're already beginning to see 575 00:59:01.760 --> 00:59:07.320 those those extra resources arrived today. A couple more areas that I thought that 576 00:59:07.400 --> 00:59:12.639 the Prime Minister might be able to assist with is the firefighting capability with potentially 577 00:59:12.679 --> 00:59:15.760 within Parks Canada and maybe within CP and C and rail, which are federally 578 00:59:15.840 --> 00:59:21.679 regulated entities. So there's I think that because we're seeing that the need is 579 00:59:21.719 --> 00:59:23.559 so high that it might continue on for a long period of time, we 580 00:59:23.679 --> 00:59:27.840 wanted to make sure that all of the resources were available. But I think 581 00:59:27.880 --> 00:59:31.199 that the Interagency Forest Fire Center has done a tremendous job of making sure that 582 00:59:31.239 --> 00:59:34.760 we've gotten the resources that we need. I wonder if Christy might want to 583 00:59:34.800 --> 00:59:40.960 comment on them. We work very closely side by side with our colleagues across 584 00:59:42.039 --> 00:59:50.079 Canada, and certainly the calls to the inter Agency Forest Center happened on a 585 00:59:50.199 --> 00:59:53.800 weekly basis, even outside of wildfire season. We're always talking to our colleagues 586 00:59:53.840 --> 00:59:59.840 and we're talking on an operational level, So those decisions are made in between 587 01:00:00.400 --> 01:00:05.599 wildfire specialists, and when when a fire breaks out somewhere that we know we 588 01:00:06.159 --> 01:00:08.760 realize we will need extra assistance with those calls are made right away, and 589 01:00:09.119 --> 01:00:14.880 I know that our colleagues across the country and abroad are always there waiting to 590 01:00:14.960 --> 01:00:19.760 send us some help. Yeah. Safe. I which is further add to 591 01:00:19.880 --> 01:00:22.320 this is that is that we have to put in the trust in trust our 592 01:00:23.199 --> 01:00:30.280 incident command teams. So all of these fires that are unfortunately all through this 593 01:00:30.400 --> 01:00:34.360 province have incident command teams that have been assigned to them, and when they 594 01:00:34.480 --> 01:00:39.199 request more resources, you know, we make sure that we get those resources 595 01:00:39.760 --> 01:00:44.159 to the folks that are on the ground. This is uh, you know, 596 01:00:44.239 --> 01:00:45.840 in proactive measures that we have done, what the premier has done, 597 01:00:45.880 --> 01:00:50.239 what I've done, which is to reach out to the federal government to make 598 01:00:50.280 --> 01:00:53.280 sure that we have these resources available to them, is exactly what we're doing. 599 01:00:53.440 --> 01:00:59.119 However, just remember that the person in command of any critical incident is 600 01:00:59.199 --> 01:01:02.199 that incident commander. So we have to put trace of trust and faith in 601 01:01:02.440 --> 01:01:06.719 them and what they're doing. We have fantastic people in the province that have 602 01:01:06.800 --> 01:01:12.000 been doing an outstanding job. We've brought in people not only nationally but internationally 603 01:01:12.079 --> 01:01:15.599 who are instant command and instant man teams. And if they are requiring more 604 01:01:16.000 --> 01:01:21.320 resources, we as the government are making sure that they're having the necessary resources 605 01:01:21.320 --> 01:01:25.840 available to them. Safety have a follow up question. I do call them 606 01:01:25.920 --> 01:01:30.480 thanks a polities are literatreat a little here and ask to two questions, just 607 01:01:30.599 --> 01:01:36.559 for either the Parmiter or the Public Safety minister, just for prolification. Will 608 01:01:36.760 --> 01:01:40.280 be military be deployed? When can we expect them? And then I am 609 01:01:40.360 --> 01:01:45.559 not sure if this is for Christie Tucker about we're seeing a lot of areas 610 01:01:45.599 --> 01:01:50.360 that are still under an evacuation ordered but those alerts aren't showing up on the 611 01:01:50.480 --> 01:01:55.039 lack or the website. Why is that? And again a polist offing two 612 01:01:55.119 --> 01:01:58.960 questions there, but I believe the second is a bit of a public safety 613 01:01:59.000 --> 01:02:00.960 thing, So thank you. Yeah. When I spoke with the Prime Minister 614 01:02:01.159 --> 01:02:07.519 today, he said the Canadian Armed Forces will be deployed and it's a matter 615 01:02:07.599 --> 01:02:12.280 of getting the incident command team that Mike was just talking about to determine the 616 01:02:12.360 --> 01:02:15.360 best way to integrate them within the teams. But I took it as a 617 01:02:15.400 --> 01:02:17.880 good sign that when I showed up here today, Brigadier General Graham was already 618 01:02:17.920 --> 01:02:22.000 on hand, introducing me to his team and saying that they were just doing 619 01:02:22.039 --> 01:02:24.239 that assessment right now. So I would anticipate that as soon as they're ready 620 01:02:24.239 --> 01:02:29.639 and as soon as the Emergency Command Center is willing to or is able to 621 01:02:29.760 --> 01:02:37.159 integrate them, they will and I'll hand it over to Christie. So the 622 01:02:37.079 --> 01:02:44.679 Alberta emergency alert system is working well. It's a national system. We work 623 01:02:44.760 --> 01:02:52.199 closely with the telecommunication companies, the national regulator, as well as several several 624 01:02:52.320 --> 01:02:55.800 hundred users across the province. We have a few things that we're working on 625 01:02:57.000 --> 01:03:01.119 to try to fix it, and we're we're bound and we're going to make 626 01:03:01.159 --> 01:03:07.599 this work much better. I think the information that might be missing on there, 627 01:03:07.719 --> 01:03:12.440 we're going to be resolving that in fairly short order. All right, 628 01:03:12.519 --> 01:03:19.960 operator next color, please, I thanks for taking my question. I think 629 01:03:20.000 --> 01:03:22.039 this makes for a premier Smith and for some of that series, like those 630 01:03:22.119 --> 01:03:27.280 in Edson won't be eligible for these types of one term emergency payments. So 631 01:03:27.480 --> 01:03:30.719 justly if you can explain to everyone kind of tell you landed on its eligibility 632 01:03:30.800 --> 01:03:36.960 criteria emergency payments, it was a it was a matter of policy from the 633 01:03:37.079 --> 01:03:43.920 previous government and and grandfather didn't. We did an assessment in twenty twenty, 634 01:03:44.320 --> 01:03:47.639 and in twenty twenty the policy was set at the time to make emergency payments 635 01:03:47.639 --> 01:03:52.079 available after seven days of evacuation. I think part of the issue is number 636 01:03:52.159 --> 01:03:58.000 one, red Cross comes in and I was at the Expo center. Red 637 01:03:58.079 --> 01:04:03.000 Cross has done a tremendous job of connecting people with hotels for the first three 638 01:04:03.079 --> 01:04:10.239 days, and then that gives the various individuals time to contact their insurance companies 639 01:04:10.280 --> 01:04:13.960 if they have an insurer, and speaking with many of the insurance companies, 640 01:04:14.039 --> 01:04:16.480 part of what they were waiting for is us to do a provincial emergency declaration 641 01:04:16.840 --> 01:04:20.480 so those funds could continue to flow. So we wanted to make sure that 642 01:04:20.559 --> 01:04:25.360 we were able to fill any gaps, and that's part of the reason why 643 01:04:25.400 --> 01:04:28.559 it's seven days. When family has been out of home for longer than seven 644 01:04:28.639 --> 01:04:31.079 days, that's when I think additional strain and pressure comes on. So that 645 01:04:31.239 --> 01:04:36.079 may be the reason behind the original policy. We just wanted people to know 646 01:04:36.239 --> 01:04:39.559 that it was going to be at the same level that it had been in 647 01:04:39.679 --> 01:04:44.199 in previous years twelve hundred and fifty dollars for each adult, five hundred dollars 648 01:04:44.320 --> 01:04:46.840 for each child, and that we have a simplified process to be able to 649 01:04:46.920 --> 01:04:53.360 apply our Cabinet Emergency Cabinet Committee Committee is meeting every morning and so if we 650 01:04:53.519 --> 01:04:56.880 find that there is some unmet need, we will be able to address that. 651 01:04:59.079 --> 01:05:01.760 And do you have a follow up? I do, yeah, my 652 01:05:01.920 --> 01:05:05.880 felips for our minister Alice. So one of the requests that you made to 653 01:05:05.920 --> 01:05:11.360 auder All was the provision of military personnelity provide a measure of security for vacuating 654 01:05:11.400 --> 01:05:15.239 communities to guard against footing and disorders. I think you've been on Saturday. 655 01:05:15.320 --> 01:05:17.400 That was one instance, but they a break an error. I think a 656 01:05:17.480 --> 01:05:20.519 couple of folks were arrested in that instance. So many how big of a 657 01:05:20.639 --> 01:05:26.960 concern is this and how many military folks introport it needs to address this? 658 01:05:28.159 --> 01:05:30.920 I mean, we'll allow the incident command teams to make that assessment, working 659 01:05:30.000 --> 01:05:33.639 with of course the Predator General as to what the need is. Obviously there 660 01:05:33.679 --> 01:05:38.159 are some concerns. I you know, I agree with you. I've I've 661 01:05:38.239 --> 01:05:41.599 heard the one. You know, well, I hope that there is not 662 01:05:41.840 --> 01:05:45.119 more. But you know, typically in these situations we want to err on 663 01:05:45.159 --> 01:05:47.840 the side of caution. One of the things that the military has expressed that 664 01:05:47.920 --> 01:05:54.119 they can do is to certainly help or augment our folks in the RCMPG again, 665 01:05:54.239 --> 01:05:58.559 just to provide that visible presence in the communities, to ensure that there's 666 01:05:58.800 --> 01:06:02.360 the people know that there is a love of public safety. All right, 667 01:06:02.400 --> 01:06:12.000 operator, could you please put through the next collar Western Standard? Very thank 668 01:06:12.079 --> 01:06:27.679 you for the question. How are more heady m as Again? I just 669 01:06:27.800 --> 01:06:31.719 had a brief conversation with Brigader General Graham when I came in today and I 670 01:06:31.800 --> 01:06:35.000 met with the head of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry. They were the 671 01:06:35.039 --> 01:06:39.719 ones who indicated that here on site in Alberta, within their ranks, they 672 01:06:39.800 --> 01:06:44.679 have three hundred fire individuals who have been trained in firefighting. So I think 673 01:06:44.719 --> 01:06:47.800 that would be the optimal situation is if we have military personnel who are already 674 01:06:47.880 --> 01:06:53.480 here, if they can be brought into into into service, and that's something 675 01:06:53.519 --> 01:06:56.639 that we'll leave with the emergency Command Center to figure out the best way to 676 01:06:56.719 --> 01:07:13.039 make use of those talents. Do you have a follow up offer and how 677 01:07:13.079 --> 01:07:19.480 will we feed and how is volunteers? Did you say, well, look, 678 01:07:20.239 --> 01:07:27.599 there are many communities in northern Alberta that have people who have the talent 679 01:07:27.719 --> 01:07:30.639 and expertise on firefighting. That's who we're calling for, is that we're hoping 680 01:07:30.679 --> 01:07:34.440 that there are people who live within those communities who want to help put out 681 01:07:34.480 --> 01:07:40.440 fires in their communities. That was certainly the feedback that I got at Fox 682 01:07:40.559 --> 01:07:43.400 Lake is that there were individuals who'd been trained who wanted to be able to 683 01:07:43.440 --> 01:07:45.920 help put out fires in their home communities. So that's what we'll be assessing. 684 01:07:45.960 --> 01:07:48.840 And I want to leave it to the experts to make sure that they're 685 01:07:48.920 --> 01:07:53.880 bringing people in to integrate with the teams who have the level of expertise that 686 01:07:54.000 --> 01:07:56.840 is going to work well with the team. You certainly don't want to bring 687 01:07:56.960 --> 01:08:00.039 in new people who are unfamiliar with how with how to this kind of firefighting, 688 01:08:00.119 --> 01:08:03.719 because that could then end up creating a situation that's dangerous for everyone. 689 01:08:04.039 --> 01:08:08.119 So we wanted to make sure that because we know we have such talent in 690 01:08:08.199 --> 01:08:13.360 this province with individual firefighting in private sector companies as well as nonproprofits as well 691 01:08:13.400 --> 01:08:16.439 as First Nation communities. We just want to know to be open to seeing 692 01:08:16.479 --> 01:08:20.439 if there are individuals in some of those existing rural and remote communities who can 693 01:08:20.479 --> 01:08:25.560 integrate into our existing teams so that we have as many hands on deck to 694 01:08:25.720 --> 01:08:28.960 fight these fires locally as possible, so that we can reduce the overall cost 695 01:08:29.039 --> 01:08:31.479 of the things that you'd mentioned. Thank you, operator. Could you please 696 01:08:31.479 --> 01:08:43.239 put through the next collar? Carler Robinson City News Everything, Carli, your 697 01:08:43.279 --> 01:08:51.720 phone might be mooted. Okay, operator, could you put through the next 698 01:08:51.760 --> 01:09:00.039 collar? Please? Thank you every him. I mean it's today and I 699 01:09:00.079 --> 01:09:05.439 stop to send residents who had the impression that the Common State the evacuation order 700 01:09:05.720 --> 01:09:13.119 too soon from disagreed. But what lessons did you learn maybe from previous fires, 701 01:09:13.159 --> 01:09:16.600 like Foraorth mcmurrion, the timing of the evacuation ordered having to be given. 702 01:09:17.319 --> 01:09:25.199 I'll ask Colin to take that one. I'm gonna start with. I 703 01:09:25.239 --> 01:09:29.840 think it's a bit premature to start considering what kind of lessons we're learning from 704 01:09:29.920 --> 01:09:33.439 this. I did mention yesterday that I thought it was prudent that the local 705 01:09:33.479 --> 01:09:40.119 authorities took the right action based upon the imminence of the threat. I think, 706 01:09:40.720 --> 01:09:43.199 you know, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. 707 01:09:43.680 --> 01:09:48.520 So my earlier work on this, I think it's too early. We 708 01:09:48.600 --> 01:09:53.560 will have a look at lessons learned when we get this event over, and 709 01:09:53.720 --> 01:09:58.079 we do have a French translator here to answer that in French. You can 710 01:09:58.119 --> 01:10:19.800 just come up and take my microphone if you'd like, Monsieur premature da mama, 711 01:10:20.399 --> 01:10:30.880 m appropriately And do you have a follow up question? Audrey? Um, 712 01:10:30.560 --> 01:10:34.399 yes, what's your message for people who are you know, for naval 713 01:10:34.439 --> 01:10:39.680 and et and now they've come back home that they flowers raising you? No, 714 01:10:39.880 --> 01:10:42.520 not that not that far away. What's the message but people who have 715 01:10:42.680 --> 01:10:46.760 come back on all the album with yes, you know? I think I 716 01:10:46.880 --> 01:10:51.560 might ask Christie to handle that one, because just to the earlier question that 717 01:10:51.640 --> 01:10:57.800 you had is part of the issue of what happened in a couple of communities 718 01:10:58.199 --> 01:11:00.960 is that they were evacuated and called back home and had to be evacuated again. 719 01:11:01.000 --> 01:11:04.439 And we certainly don't want to put people through that kind of disruption, 720 01:11:04.840 --> 01:11:12.000 so I want to but I also don't want to to overstate or understate the 721 01:11:12.199 --> 01:11:14.840 level of concern or risk there might be, so let me get Christy to 722 01:11:14.880 --> 01:11:20.800 comment on that one. Yeah, I will just say that certainly, that 723 01:11:21.000 --> 01:11:27.079 fire and many others across the province saw a rapid change over a few days 724 01:11:27.159 --> 01:11:31.319 because of the extreme conditions and the winds that we saw. We did have 725 01:11:31.520 --> 01:11:38.319 the size of seventy seven thousand hectares on that fire, which is a significant 726 01:11:38.479 --> 01:11:42.159 size fire, and that gives it a lot of power as well. It 727 01:11:42.319 --> 01:11:47.319 was fourteen kilometers southeast of Edson. It did overrun the Middle Lake Provincial Recreation 728 01:11:47.520 --> 01:11:50.840 Area, which I know was a great concern to residents in the area. 729 01:11:53.159 --> 01:11:59.079 Certainly, it was predicted that there could be an impact to structures during that 730 01:11:59.399 --> 01:12:02.800 burning period depending on the activity of the wildfire, and crews were working very 731 01:12:02.880 --> 01:12:10.279 hard to avoid that scenario. Thank you, Madam Tucker. If you had 732 01:12:10.359 --> 01:12:31.039 the explicit um um adult that'sque Santi settorn dead son le santroni um if he 733 01:12:31.119 --> 01:12:45.359 comes uh So. Thank you for listening to everybody. You've been listening to 734 01:12:45.439 --> 01:12:48.920 policy and right here in depictions, media, radio, and we have to 735 01:12:49.119 --> 01:12:58.920 ensure that our electoral system is protected and it is truly reflecting what it is 736 01:12:59.039 --> 01:13:03.079 that we want from out of our government and who we want to see in 737 01:13:04.079 --> 01:13:12.920 those official seats. So um, when you find that subscribe button on your 738 01:13:12.960 --> 01:13:16.880 screen right now, please do click it so you can get continued information from 739 01:13:17.000 --> 01:14:16.359 us here at Depictions Media and from this particular podcast policy and rights. The 740 01:14:16.520 --> 01:14:24.840 show has been produced by Depictions Media. Please contact us at depictions dot media 741 01:14:25.000 --> 01:14:26.119 for more information