Thank you for listening to Depiction's Media Radio. Welcome to Policy Rights to show about government policy and human rights. Welcome back to Policy Rights here in Depictions
Media Radio. I'm your host, Michael Cloggs. You know, you would think that UM elected officials would do anything to ensure the fact that elections and election results reflect what it is that the people of the country believe in, and that they would ensure that there are no secret ways or stops that would make it so that the person that was or the people who are being elected aren't just done by way of party, but done by way of individual and
what that individual stands for. So is that the the thing that happens when we look at the first past the post system that is being used in Canada and it gets used across Canada and just about every province every election that is held, that it is a first past to post system or should it be a different system. And we're going to hear Justin Trudeau talking about a ranked balance system as he's asked questions about that. You're still being asked UM questions
around foreign interference. We just talked about ensuring that the votes are coming out. So this clear clearly reflecting what it is that the people of the democracy
want. Then how is it that a whole other country and their government could possibly have an influence on that election if, like I said, if people are doing the jobs that they say that they're doing to ensure the safeguard of the elections, to make sure that it's only being influenced by the people who vote in that country, that municipality, that province or state as it were. So there's a lot of questions around that and a lot of it being
asked suggestion to do. It's like, what is going on in how these safeguards are actually being put in place so that we know that only the influence of only the people of the land are involved in those elections. So, um, we're also gonna we have a brief recording UM from Justin Trudeau as he is talking about the wildfire situation situation in Alberta. Um, well, we are we exist in British Columbia. Yes, there are um currently about
sixty two fires in British Columbia that are raging out of control. But it isn't the situation that that we had that totally destroyed the town of Lytton, BC and as it stands right now that in a particular area of Alberta, they are looking at that same situation that we had years ago, UM that
destroyed a town, just flattened it. So Justin Trudeau has made a number of promises and the people of Alberta are calling out for help UM with the wildfires, asking for fire assistance and Red Cross help as well as monetary assistance to ensure that the people of towns and areas that are being evacuated are taken care of, that they are kept whole, that founilies are able to stay
together during the whole evacuation process. So it's a lot of what what is happening UM and if they we're going to hear about in this next particular podcast episode. So why don't we UM switch over to that now and and listen to as as we hear Justin Trudeau talking about the electoral system, he's talking about the death of Mark Lalande, and he will also be talking about, well everybody else is talking about it, the coronation of Charles the third morning.
Everyone, Before we begin, I want to highlight that we have been of course monitoring closely the situation with wildfires and floods in Alberta, BC and Quebec. Obviously, this federal government stands by to support, to help in any way possible, and we encourage everyone to listen to the best advice of
local authorities and keep safe through this difficult time. If demos you come, see a sulk and some on contact Directorc part particular Quebec or an Alberta scatcher one a conon be Britannic polyfid for Eli actual Verno Federal, the nets Niecess, the Restian Security CONCA locale in the Velisons Resotre. It is a real pleasure to be back in London in this historic moment of the coronation of King
Charles the Third. We have announced today new coins, a new stamp, a new crown, a new flag, um opportunities to update this important moment in Canadian history with our new monarch. But as we have been looking towards the past and reflecting on the traditions and strength of history that underpins Canada's incredibly
strong democracy, we're also very much focused on the future. The conversations I've had with His Majesty and that he's had with indigenous leaders, the Governor General and Canadians are all very much focused on the future, whether it's on protecting and preserving the environment, or whether it's moving forward in new partnership with indigenous peoples, in understanding of the respect and path forward that we need to take. This is an important, important moment to reflect not as much on our
past as it is on the future we're building together. This was also an opportunity for me to meet with lots of Canadians who were here, from the young members of our delegation to extraordinary Canadians who have demonstrated their service and their commitments to our country in many different ways, as well as connect with friends and allies from around the world, particularly with excellent conversations with the prime ministers
of the UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as other partners from Africa, the Caribbean and elsewhere where. We share common values and common challenges and are committed to working together to build a better future for all who live, not just in the Commonwealth but everywhere around the world. La Coron Britannique
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P Canada exaltarian his access pursummi pardi so see term travectre chef CHEVDP at Particuarmo Newland Leader, African Leader de cab dejan Qui Parte de Rush Army at tourney lai A good morning, Prime Minister Joyce snap yours CTV. Thank you for taking our questions. For months, the opposition parties have been asking you questions
about foreign interference and they're not buying your answers. Why is the issue still dogging you months in well, I think there is a recognition, as there has been recognition by this government that foreign interference is a serious, serious thing
that we have to be acting and engaging with on a constant manner. Since twenty fifteen, we've stepped up a number of processes, whether it's an oversight committee by parliamentarians, whether it's an election monitoring process by top public safety and security officials, as we went through the twenty nineteen twenty one elections to confirm
that we're able to confirm that those elections integrity held. But we also know that there is more to do. And that's why, because unfortunately it has become very much a partisan discussion, it was important that we brought in an independent expert in the former Governor General to surveil to look at the entire landscape of everything we're doing on foreign interference and make concrete recommendations and an assessment of
how we're doing or what we can do more. Unfortunately, the partisanship of this is clear for all, but Canadians need to know that we all take this seriously and despite the despite the work that the opposition parties are doing to ask these questions, we're going to continue to be giving them answers. Your Foreign Affairs minister says there are consequences for evicting a diplomat who reportedly threatened an MP and his family. Can you give us one example of what those consequences
could be for Canada. The relationship with China, as we've seen over the past number of years, has been not without very real challenges, whether it's around arbitrary detention, whether it's around challenges to Canada's trade. When thinks of pork, when thinks of Canola, one thinks of various various real consequences that Canada and other countries around the world have faced in various situations. Um,
there are things to consider around this. But at the same time, Canada will never shy away from standing up from our values for ensuring that our laws are respected. And that's why the Foreign minister is taking these questions so seriously. Diplomat es Michael Stipe Uncle, but to double La respond the two government Canadia see the section A security team. You see a prosperity Canadia. Our men and confess and do e principa town in louisizi aportn some the prown Laban
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point. Okay, I can tell you that on a regular basis, I am captor prized by our intelligence services on threats the Canadians, which include threats to institutions, threats to our democracy, but also threats to individuals, including sometimes political actors. But I can assure you that whenever we get information that requires follow up or actions, either by the political arm or the intelligence services,
we ensure that those actions are taken. Good morning, pritment is The Governor General recently said that Canadians have never really felt Bradings, have never really felt great affection for King Charles, and that he has more to do to develop the relationship with our country. Is that your assessment of things? And do you think that the King really has to do more to improve his standing
among Canadians. Obviously it is natural that Canadians had such an extraordinary and deep affection for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, who was an extraordinary piece of of history, the living history that followed us throughout our lives. She was a constant, enduring presence for Canadians and for people around the world, and obviously she leaves extraordinary legacy and a challenge for anyone who steps into the important
role as monarch. At the same time, I have known his Majesty now for decades as a as an environmentalist, as someone who has been deeply committed to protecting and preserving nature, as someone who has shown a remarkable openness to understanding the challenges of the colonial history that the Crown has been wrapped up in
in Canada, particularly around reconciliation. The work that he has done in reaching out to Indigenous leaders over the past number of years and including again this week, I think shows that he is deeply aligned with some of the really fundamental priorities of Canadians. Obviously, we will have many, many years in which Canadians will get to know his approach and his deep commitment to service, which
includes leadership on environment and reconciliation issues. And I'm looking forward to, alongside Canadians getting to continue to work with him on big things that affect not just Canada, but the planet. Okay, on the Michael Chong matter, why is it taking so long to decide whether to expel a Chinese diplomat? I
thinks, as you know, this is a serious and significant question. It's a question of moving forward in a way that represents our values and ensures that we're enforcing our laws while at the same time ensuring that we're keeping Canadians safe and prosperous. This is a decision not to be taken lightly, and the
Foreign Minister is leaning into this very, very carefully. Morgan Lowry, Canadian Press Minister Mendocino said yesterday that your government is considering whether to hold someone accountable for the decision not to let any cabinet minister know about intelligence regarding the threats
against mister Chong and his family. Have you spoken to former National Security Advisor Vince Rigby about why he didn't elevate this information Our Foreign our sorry, our security, security and intelligence services regularly assess an evalue rate extraordinary amounts of information that comes in about threats to Canadians, around challenges to our institutions, around cyber attacks, around a range of things that they need to make evaluations and
assessments on They are professionals when it comes to determining whether an issue is a serious threat, whether it's a substantive and substantiated piece of information, and that is something they continue to do. The shift that I announced this week is that going forward, whenever there is a threat or a suggestion of a threat, however substantiated, however verifiable, it needs to be passed along to higher
political levels than was the case before. Does that mean every potential threat will land on my desk, Not necessarily, but it will mean that ministers and top public servants need to be assessed on it, and anything that is deemed to be credible we will take the necessary action on it. Is a shift that I've announced as of last week. At isn't the case before. There
wasn't a directive around this before. So it's a question of recognizing that CSUS and our intelligence services are professionals in the way they assess and evaluate the substantiated, native nature or the serious nature of potential threats. But what we're saying is even if it's minor, it should be elevated to the highest levels. That is the new change moving forward and Just to follow up, members of the Liberal Party passed a resolution this weekend to urge your government to set up
a National Citizens Assembly on electoral reform. Do you support revisiting the issue and how has your thinking on this change since you abandon that promise. I continue to feel that it would be great to have a ranked ballot. It would be great for Canadians to be able to pick their first, their second, or their third choice on a given ballot. These are conversations I have continued
to have with Liberals and with partners in the House. When we made the supplying confidence agreement with the NDP, I highlighted that I was more than willing to move forward on a rank ballot if they wanted electoral change. The decision was made that we would stay focused on issues of affordability, if issues of progressive politics, but I'm always open if there is ever a consensus to move
forward on moving past first past the post. The fact is there is no consensus and I was not in twenty fifteen to twenty nineteen going to use my majority to change unilattery the way we elect people in Canada. I continue to hope that we will one day reach consensus on that. But in the meanwhile, I'm going to stay focused on the things that matter the most to Canadians, which is affordability, which is creating great jobs for the middle class,
working on delivering real results, and healthcare and dental care. I don't think the Canadians talk to me about every day. Ms roc amilior In at the street time Waldony lopsion with the exprement or premier shall order uns consercus told us so um or do you mean can you means? Nerve for change count change facon Jotrvecki on everybody's certain consensus Jeanne swing the partner npt uh rope round with damn me what preferencial uh met us all fellows one a fellows sam de constant
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Who was sup serious? Batim complete. I want to start with a few thoughts on Marc Lalande, who was an extraordinary Canadian, brilliant, thoughtful, committed to service, who was of course an excellent friend to my father, but he was also a really good friend to me who gave me counsel and advice, particularly in my early days on politics, and his commitment and passion for this country and for its people was unmatched. Who will be sorely missed,
particularly by all those who love him. And that my thoughts go out today. I just got off the phone with Bigger Smith Alberta to express the fact that Canadians stand with the people of Alberta as they deal with these terrible, terrible wildfires. All weekend we were watching images from from communities affected by this wealth of the wildfires, and I assured I know that we will be there to help. We talked a lot of the different ways of the government
can help community. Working to make sure that we're supporting Alburdans right across the province as necessary as we always do. The federal government is there to be there for people who will continue to do that in Alberta and elsewhere where people are affected by feeing, whether that's I'm want to high right as well, we will be working with the Red Cross to put forward a matching fund so our Canadians who are watching people and go through these stor nearly difficult times are
able to send their support. It's what we do. Canadians are there for each other in different times and we will continue to be of course, assuming muture confusures about rather a f amnist for Smith Poole, but that's we developed one fig APO right, what id not necessarss only food Foday or Alberta. You can add sat to develop the more fig sallow and in the months. If you see the vid monicici of a logicis term it's disaster. So because
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Good afternoon everyone. I'm joined Mike Ellis, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. Also with us is Colin Blair, the executive director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, and once again Christy Tucker, the information unit manager from a Alberta wildfire. Also joining us as Paul Winnock, the Deputy Minister of Health. He's available to answer technical questions on the state of affected healthcare
facilities. I want to begin by saying that I'm deeply proud of the incredible dedication and resilience of our first responders, our communities, our first nations and Matey settlement partners and all Alburtons. There is no question that this is a challenging time. Tens of thousands of people have been forced from their homes and
their jobs. They're leaving behind all they own, wondering if they will lose everything that they've worked for and while many Albertons are being forced to evacuate, firefighters and first responders from across the province and the country are doing their absolute best to control the destruction and protect Alberton's lives and property. Albertons cannot thank them enough for their efforts. Just yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit
the evacuation center that has been set up in Edmonton. Despite the difficult challenges that everyone was facing, there was a sounding sense of help and optimism from both the hard working volunteers who are helping those who are displaced and our friends and neighbors who are forced to evacuate. I also toured some of the affected wildfire areas near Endwhistle and received a thorough briefing from the local team on the
state of the situation in that community. This is an incredibly stressful time and we know Albertons need extra support while they are out of their homes and communities, and that's why we're announcing that additional help is on the way for wildfire evacuees. Starting tomorrow, the government will begin providing one time emergency financial assistance
to residents who have been forced to evacuate due to these wildfires. Every adult who's been evacuated and displaced for seven consecutive days will receive one two hundred and fifty dollars, along with an additional five hundred dollars for each dependent child under age eighteen. This means that an evacuated family of four will receive thirty five hundred dollars to help get through these dark days and to meet their immediate needs.
These payments will help evacuees pay for accommodations, food, and other basic necessities. That payments will make those expenses one less thing for people to worry about, so that they can concentrate on their families and their own well being. We know that this is a tough time, so we've made the application process quick and easy. Evacuees can apply online using a verified Alberta dot CAA account. Payments will be provided through e transfer once your eligibility is confirmed,
and that process can take as little as twenty four hours. This is the most efficient way to receive your evacuation payment and to get it as quickly as possible. However, we do recognize that applying online may not be an option for everyone. If you are unable to apply online or you can't receive the e transfer, people can also call the Wildfire Resource Line. We've heard this number before, We'll say it again, three ten four four five five.
Once they are eligible, I'd like to just repeat that number. It's three ten four four five five. Staff will be able to help with applications and make alternate payment arrangements. The Government of Alberta is also working to ensure residents in remote locations, including Indigenous reserves and mate settlements, will get these payments as well. These payments are only one part of our ongoing response, but they are a critical lifeline for evacuees in their hour of need. We will
ensure everyone who is eligible to receive an emergency payment will get one. And earlier today, I did have an opportunity to speak with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after updating him on the situation we facing Alberton's. I first thanked him for the work of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center, which has already been activated and working with our team here. It's part of the reason why we already
have crews from other provinces who have been arriving. And you'll hear more about that later, but after talking with Prime Minister, we sent a formal request for additional assistance. Minister Mike Ellis will provide an update on that shortly. During our call, Prime Minister Trudeau confirmed that the military will be sent to assist if necessary. We will continue to keep communication channels open with the federal
government as we respond to this unprecedented situation. I'd also like to provide a brief update on evacuations and their impact on our healthcare system. As of this morning, almost three hundred patients and long term care residents have been safely evacuated from four Alberta House Services sites, including Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Center, Edson Healthcare Center, Fox Greek Healthcare Center, and High Prairie Health Complex.
These evacuations have gone very well thanks to the cooperation of those having to move and the hard work of our staff, physicians, and supporting agencies. These relocations are happening through EMS, through chartered buses and flights is required depending on
specific needs. Healthcare workers across the province are working around the clock to ensure patients and residents are safely cared for in temporary locations, and HS is contacting the families of loved ones to share the patient and resident location information, and I want to be clear, despite these evacuations, our healthcare system is still wellcliped equipped and will continue to meet the needs of Albertans from all corners of
the province. I want to thank our frontline staff, leaders and physicians who have come together to support the response across Alberta health services and especially to those who have been evacuated along with their families. Over the past few days, we have heard countless stories of individibal Albertans stepping up to lend a hand, whether it's volunteering, making a financial contribution through the Canadian Red Cross or another
charity, or donating clothes. Albertons have demonstrated their generosity and sense of caring throughout this unprecedented situation, and any Alberton who donates a cash contribution can receive a non refund charitable tax credit on their first two hundred dollars thanks to a sixty percent charitable tax credit from the province and fifteen percent from the federal government.
We made that recent change in budget twenty twenty three. We've also seen various companies step up and provide generous contributions in support of the current situation.
I'd like to quickly acknowledge Tellis, who today made an initial commitment of five million dollars in cash and in kind donations to local charities and organizations supporting relief efforts and first responders, and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation will be dedicating net proceeds from the Oilers playoffs fifty fifty starting tomorrow May ninth, until the end of Round two to the Canadian Red Cross in support of the humanitarian effort to
help Alburton's affected by these wildfires. Additionally, during my call earlier today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the federal government is working with the Red Cross and will match donations on behalf of the Government of Alberta. I want to thank everyone, both individual Alburtons and companies who have contributed to to the support of
this emergency. Finally, before I conclude and turnover to Minister Ellis, I would like to make a call out to anyone who is trained and qualified in firefighting who would like to be and would be willing to volunteer. If you work for a private sector company, if you are firefighting qualified and you are willing to lend a helping hand. Please email Emergency Support Offers at gov dot
ABTA. That's emergency support offers at gov dot eb dot CA. Government officials will assess your qualifications and let you know how you can help play a role in responding to this unprecedented fire season. Thank you, and I'd now like to invite Mike Ellis to share some opening remarks, So again, thank you,
Thank you Premier. In good afternoon everyone, So I want to express my support to all Olburtons who have been evacuated in their communities, those who are in the process of being evacuated, and those who are beginning to return home. We stand closely with you during this very challenging time. Thank you again to all of our frontline, especially those firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect Elburtons, their homes, their communities throughout this emergency.
And a big thank you to the volunteers and those who have offered support to their fellow Elburtons. The resilience and compassion of Alburton's in the face of adversity represents the very best of this province. The top priority of Alberta's government and is and will continue to be keeping Alberton safe during this state of emergency. As you've all seen over the weekend, this is a rapidly changing situation and
we continue to take steps to respond to situation as the need arises. The albert Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with all impacted communities to respond rapidly to the fires and their effects. I continue to have great confidence in our emergency responders and the important work that they are doing across this province. Furthermore, I have been in continuous contact with my federal counterpart as we continue to work together
to utilize all possible resources in responding to this emergency. Earlier today, I did send as the Premier i mentioned, I did send a letter to Minister Blair and Minister Menachino outlining our request for federal assistance. We've asked the federal
government to provide support in the following areas. Number one, the provision of firefighting resources, the prepositioning of strategic airlift resources for the evacuation of isolated communities, engineering supports along with heavy equipment resources, water purification resources, the continued assistance of additional Royal Canadian Mounted Police to support security and evacuation as required, the costs related to the RCMP operations within the province for the wildfire response,
the provision of the military personnel to provide a measure of security for evacuated communities to guard against looting and disorder. An exemption from the federal federal requirements to extend flight hours for air support related to firefighting and required evacuations. Reimbursement of costs related to expenditures for supporting First Nations communities impacted by wildfires, and constructions
of those communities. Flexibility and exceptions. We're applicable for the Elberton's receiving employment insurance as well as rapid enrollment for those being evacuated or businesses closed because of the wildfires. And I just want to say that I've certainly recently actually spoken to Minister Blair and he is beginning to start to action the items on the
list that we have provided them. So before I continue, I'd like to caution that we have been informed by you know, the Canadian our forces that we do have limited fire fighting capabilities. And I let everybody know that because there is no silver bullet solution in our response to you know, every action to this very complex situation. Every action is being taken as part of a
coordinated response and a strategy to address this emergency. We have full faith and competence in our firefighters and with wildlife, we certainly have full full confidence in the Alberta Emergency Management Association and it is absolutely a coordinated effort not just across the province, but a coordinated effort in the throughout the country to ensure that we address not just the fires that are going on in Alberta, but of
course as well as British Columbia and Saskatchewan who also have fires that are currently ongoing. As Premier outlined, the new emergency evacuation payments are now part of the support available to Alberton's who have been evacuated over a period of more than seven days. Details are available online and will be updated in real time. Evacuees can visit to Alberta dot c a slash emergency to apply for their payment
using a verified Alberta dot c A account. That site again is Alberta dot c a slash Emergency and we also have the most up to date information on the evolving emergency situation. If you're in an affected area, please register as an evacuee at your local reception center and staff will connect you to the resources and assistance that are available. This has been a very, very difficult time for students who have been displaced due to wildfire evacuations, and I'm going to
provide you a REEF update on the impact on the schools. So as of eleven am today, there have been fifty four schools that have been closed as a result of the wildfire evacuations, affecting approximately ten thousand, five hundred students.
Contingency plans are being developed in place to support the continued learning of students if any evacuation persists for longer than the longer for a longer period of time, officials are going to continue to provide updates on schools and contingency plans as needed and now, as this week and has shown, the emergency situation is constantly changing, so I want to be very clear to all Elburton's whether you're
close to an area that is currently impacted or not. Again, I'm going to repeat this, it is immensely important to take the steps that are necessary to prepare yourself in the event that you have to leave your home due to
an emergency. You can never be too prepared and there are great resources available at Alberta dot c if you need an idea of what you may need to start with, So prepare that emergency kit with seventy two hours worth of food, water, critical documents for state kits, medication or any other necessities. I understand in times like this this is very distressing for everyone, so I want to remind everyone also that help is available to any Alberton who's struggling with
mental health concerns that they might be facing at this time. You can call to one one to one one is available day or night to find mental health supports and programs to support your wellness. No matter where you are in this province, mental health services will be there when you need them. Albertan seeking counseling supports can also visit Counseling Alberta dot CAA to access same day counseling services
with low or no fees. Lastly, while I don't believe it to be widespread issue at this time, I certainly have heard some examples of price gauging which might be occurring within the province and areas where a vacuees are being sheltered. I want to be very very crystal clear on this. Albertans are not going to accept price gauging and we are going to offer the assistance where people
most need it. I will just say these are rumors at best at this time, but I just want to say for anybody who may believe that there might be some price gouging that is going on, or they suspect any form of price gauging, please just call Service Alberta again. You can call it through that number of three one zero four four five five Again, that's three
one zero four four five five. And before I end, I just want to reiterate that we remain committed to ensuring that all Albertons are safe and secure and we are going to get through this, and we're going to get through this together. So please everyone stay safe out there, and thank you. I'm going to now hand this over to Colin Blair to provide some technical updates on the albert Emergency Management Agency and their response. Thank you, Good afternoon
everyone. Alberta continues to be under a state of provincial emergency and response efforts are focusing still on protecting and supporting Alberton's during these wildfires. The Provincial Emergency Coordination Center continues to coordinate the response and remains at Level four, which is the highest level. We now have ninety eight active wildfires burning in the province. In addition to the provincial state of emergency, there are seventeen states of
local emergency, as well as two banned council resolutions. We strongly encourage all Alburtons to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app so you get alerts right to your phone. At this time, there are fifteen evacuation orders in place, with more than twenty nine tho individuals safely evacuated from their homes and ten thousand evacuees have registered at eleven reception centers. I highly encourage all evacuees to register.
If you're not able to attend a reception center, then go to the Wildfire Emergency Updates on Alberta dot CAA and register online. Evacuees who require assistance can also call the three four four five five for wildfire and evacuee related information. As of this morning, the evacuation order for the town of Edson and some areas of Yellowhead County from Marlborough to the Chip Lake area have officially been lifted
by the municipality. People have asked about re entry. Let's be clear, there's a process for entry and is crucial that evacuates follow the direction of the local authority. When each local authorities and Senate Commander is determined that a community is safe, then efforts will shift to planning for re entry. We continue
to work with partners in all levels of government disover emergency supports. As the situation continues to evolve and change, it's important for all Albertons to check the latest information on the status of the wildfires in their communities, as well as any evacuation alerts and orders. Again, for the most up to date information, Alberton should fallow notifications and advisory from the local municipalities, monitor Alberta dot
CIA and the Wildfire Status Dashboard online. Thank you, and I would now like to turn things over to Christy from Alberta Wildfire for more information on the situation. Thank you, Colin. As Colin mentioned at the moment, there are ninety eight wildfires burning in Alberta and twenty seven of those are considered out of control. The total area burned for the province this year has now passed
three hundred and ninety thousand hectares. But today we have seen a continuation of yesterday's break in the hot weather across most of the province, with light scattered showers and light winds too. This is giving firefighters a helping hand causing less active wildfire, allowing them to work on parts of fires they hadn't been able to access before. It's a mud need, a chance to make progress on some of these powerful, challenging wildfires, but we're not out of the woods
yet. We're expecting to warm up towards the weekend, which could raise fire danger levels again, and we anticipate the wind direction could shift, which will change how we tackle these fires. Alberta currently has over seven hundred wildland firefighters, along with heavy equipment and air tankers responding to wildfires in the province.
An extra twenty firefighters arrived from British Columbia yesterday and now'll be sent to assist on wildfires, along with close to eighty wildland firefighters that came from Ontario and Quebec. We've also requested additional firefighting resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center in Winnipeg. We've asked for up to a thousand firefighters from the Yukon, Ontario, Nova Scotia New Brunswick and we're expecting them to arrive in the next
week. At this time, all Alburtons need to take extra care that they don't start a wildfire no matter where they are, So please respect the fire bands or off highway vehicle restrictions that are in place across the forest protection area of the province. And if you see smoke or fire in the forest, please call three ten Fire to report it and help us keep everyone safe. Thank you. Just before we get to questions, I just want to clarify a point. I apologize to everyone. I made a bit of an error
on my notes there. In speaking with Minister Blair, he had indicated to me, because I always want to temper the expectations that some people have with our Canadian military. He indicated to me that the Canadian military is limited in their capabilities when it comes to firefighting. It's not us, I must say. The outstanding work that's being done by the men and women who are fighting fires. One of the things that Minister Blair reiterated to me is that we
have a top notch organization. Probably one of if not the best in Canada when it comes to firefighting, and so I just wanted to probably that clarification. We can go to questions now, thank you. Perfect. So the Premier Minister Elis Christie Tucker from Upbera Wildfire, Colin Blair from the Ubera Emergency Management Agency, and Health Deputy Minister Paul Winnick are available to answer questions. We'll go to in person questions first, and there is a microphone at the
right of the room. One question, one follow up. Please state your damon outlet and please keep questions to wildfire the topic of the wildfire only.
And I might just say that when I was coming in, I got a chance to meet Brigadier General Graham and he indicated that the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry do have a three hundred people trained in some firefighting, so that will help since they are close to home, and they'll also be putting out a call to their reservists who also have firefighting training, and so we may be able to have some local help faster than we expected. So that's good news
to have as well. Hi in a cool wiseberg with CTV News, I wanted to ask about call out for volunteers. Has Alberta ever done this before? And why do you feel the need to put it those this call out right now, especially considering you are getting so many more resources. I'll tell you why. We've got a new Minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism, Todd Lowen, and one of the things that he said very early on is
that we have a number of indigenous communities that have local firefighting expertise. Indeed, when I talked to the chief up north, he had said that they have as many as four hundred and fifty people who are trained in firefighting, and so he wanted to find a pathway so that people can be brought on board safely. We want to ensure that individuals who are lending a hand are going to have the sufficient training so that they can work with the teams,
and so we are giving it a try. As you heard, we have a force here in our own department of just over seven hundred, and as CHRISTI mentioned, we're doing a call for a thousand from outside of province. We know that from what we'd heard in the previous update, some of these may continue on for several months, and so if we can use the resources
that are already here from people who are able to help. We want to be open to doing that, but we want to do it in a safe way and make sure that those who are brought in are trained up to the same standard that will allow them to integrate effectively into the team. So we're going to give it a try. And this is for wildfire officials. I know this has been asked every day, but I'm wondering if you have a better idea of the loss of infrastructure at this point in some of the areas,
including Drain Valley and Twhistle area. I'll take that question. So we are continuing to gather information on this. The first thing that we need to make sure is that the wildfire threats been eliminated and it is part of the
reentry process. So while we do not have a conclusive number, because we have a number of active fires that are still threatening municipalities, we continue to work on those numbers and they're held by the municipalities and the intent is is that when they move into re entry, they're contacting people who are impacted. All right, we're gonna go to the phone lines for Radio Canada. We do have a French translator so we'll just ask that you ask your question in
English. When we get to you, the appropriate official or cabinet member will answer in English and then the translator will provide a French response. So operator, could you please put through the first caller. I thank your first Bowers closed the boer CCP calroup. Apologies here. I thought it was going to be a little later down here, But Premier, I just want to ask you. You were vaculators Arizona. You and your husband operated a restaurant in
High River at the time of the comments that have been circulating. You were following me so called tyrannical measures set out by your predecessor, Jason Kenney called the restriction Coxemption program. So you have to ensure guests are back then for dining. If you see vacuated Albertons or followers of Hitler, would you include yourself as Premier at the follower of Hitler? And why didn't you stand up against those measures from Jason Kenny Well, I've issued a statement regarding my comments.
Have always remained a friend to the Jewish community, to Israel and to our veterans, and I would ask you to reach out to my office for copy of my statement. Do you have an on topic follow up question? I'm good, all right, operator, Can you please put through the next collar? Thank you see if posluse good afternoon. On to the question here for I'm not really sure here. I'm thinking minister like Ellis may be best
positions to answer this, maybe the Premier. I'm just wondering about this escalation to the military. Why are we not seeing military resources being deployed right this second. You know a lot of people were saying that we should have seen it last week and now this week. My understanding, based off what you guys were saying, is that there is still sort of escalation planning happening. When will we see those extra resources out there helping people that are being displayed?
Well I can. I can tell you that I came in today and I was delighted to see that the Brigadier General Graham was already here, saying that they had already forces as needed. He introduced me to several members of his team, including the head of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, and indicated that they had three hundred firefighters that would be willing to be put or
able to be put into service. The issues that we'd asked of the Prime Minister was to do an assessment of where our military would best be able to help, and as Minister Ellis mentioned, we talked about firefighting, so that was one issue I spoke with the Brigader General Graham about doing engineering. One of the things that I observed when I went out to Parkland County yesterday is that there are fireguards that are created with twelve meter wide and they have the
capacity to do that kind of work as well. And the third area that I had asked about was whether military could be deployed to assist in making sure communities that were evacuated were safe, and that's an area that would require a little bit more work, but it sounds like they are already willing and have the capability to do those first two items. And the fact that they met
me here today says to me that the message got through. I just need to be clear on something though, is that I spoke with the Prime Minister and just pointed out that the Internet Agency Forest Fire Center has worked extra extremely well for us. I asked him about the how long it had been in operation, and we've had it in operation in our country since nineteen eighty two, and that's the way in which all of the various firefighting resources have been
coordinated, and he acknowledged that. I think that the coordination has been even better since the Fort McMurray fires. So the agencies have been working on trying to get deployment of those resources here right from the beginning. That's part of the reason why with the requests that are oh, we're already beginning to see
those those extra resources arrived today. A couple more areas that I thought that the Prime Minister might be able to assist with is the firefighting capability with potentially within Parks Canada and maybe within CP and C and rail, which are federally regulated entities. So there's I think that because we're seeing that the need is so high that it might continue on for a long period of time, we
wanted to make sure that all of the resources were available. But I think that the Interagency Forest Fire Center has done a tremendous job of making sure that we've gotten the resources that we need. I wonder if Christy might want to comment on them. We work very closely side by side with our colleagues across Canada, and certainly the calls to the inter Agency Forest Center happened on a
weekly basis, even outside of wildfire season. We're always talking to our colleagues and we're talking on an operational level, So those decisions are made in between wildfire specialists, and when when a fire breaks out somewhere that we know we realize we will need extra assistance with those calls are made right away, and I know that our colleagues across the country and abroad are always there waiting to
send us some help. Yeah. Safe. I which is further add to this is that is that we have to put in the trust in trust our incident command teams. So all of these fires that are unfortunately all through this province have incident command teams that have been assigned to them, and when they request more resources, you know, we make sure that we get those resources
to the folks that are on the ground. This is uh, you know, in proactive measures that we have done, what the premier has done, what I've done, which is to reach out to the federal government to make sure that we have these resources available to them, is exactly what we're doing. However, just remember that the person in command of any critical incident is that incident commander. So we have to put trace of trust and faith in
them and what they're doing. We have fantastic people in the province that have been doing an outstanding job. We've brought in people not only nationally but internationally who are instant command and instant man teams. And if they are requiring more resources, we as the government are making sure that they're having the necessary resources available to them. Safety have a follow up question. I do call them thanks a polities are literatreat a little here and ask to two questions, just
for either the Parmiter or the Public Safety minister, just for prolification. Will be military be deployed? When can we expect them? And then I am not sure if this is for Christie Tucker about we're seeing a lot of areas that are still under an evacuation ordered but those alerts aren't showing up on the lack or the website. Why is that? And again a polist offing two questions there, but I believe the second is a bit of a public safety
thing, So thank you. Yeah. When I spoke with the Prime Minister today, he said the Canadian Armed Forces will be deployed and it's a matter of getting the incident command team that Mike was just talking about to determine the best way to integrate them within the teams. But I took it as a good sign that when I showed up here today, Brigadier General Graham was already on hand, introducing me to his team and saying that they were just doing
that assessment right now. So I would anticipate that as soon as they're ready and as soon as the Emergency Command Center is willing to or is able to integrate them, they will and I'll hand it over to Christie. So the Alberta emergency alert system is working well. It's a national system. We work closely with the telecommunication companies, the national regulator, as well as several several
hundred users across the province. We have a few things that we're working on to try to fix it, and we're we're bound and we're going to make this work much better. I think the information that might be missing on there, we're going to be resolving that in fairly short order. All right, operator next color, please, I thanks for taking my question. I think this makes for a premier Smith and for some of that series, like those
in Edson won't be eligible for these types of one term emergency payments. So justly if you can explain to everyone kind of tell you landed on its eligibility criteria emergency payments, it was a it was a matter of policy from the previous government and and grandfather didn't. We did an assessment in twenty twenty, and in twenty twenty the policy was set at the time to make emergency payments available after seven days of evacuation. I think part of the issue is number
one, red Cross comes in and I was at the Expo center. Red Cross has done a tremendous job of connecting people with hotels for the first three days, and then that gives the various individuals time to contact their insurance companies if they have an insurer, and speaking with many of the insurance companies, part of what they were waiting for is us to do a provincial emergency declaration
so those funds could continue to flow. So we wanted to make sure that we were able to fill any gaps, and that's part of the reason why it's seven days. When family has been out of home for longer than seven days, that's when I think additional strain and pressure comes on. So that
may be the reason behind the original policy. We just wanted people to know that it was going to be at the same level that it had been in in previous years twelve hundred and fifty dollars for each adult, five hundred dollars for each child, and that we have a simplified process to be able to apply our Cabinet Emergency Cabinet Committee Committee is meeting every morning and so if we find that there is some unmet need, we will be able to address that. And do you have a follow up? I do, yeah, my
felips for our minister Alice. So one of the requests that you made to auder All was the provision of military personnelity provide a measure of security for vacuating communities to guard against footing and disorders. I think you've been on Saturday. That was one instance, but they a break an error. I think a couple of folks were arrested in that instance. So many how big of a concern is this and how many military folks introport it needs to address this?
I mean, we'll allow the incident command teams to make that assessment, working with of course the Predator General as to what the need is. Obviously there are some concerns. I you know, I agree with you. I've I've heard the one. You know, well, I hope that there is not more. But you know, typically in these situations we want to err on
the side of caution. One of the things that the military has expressed that they can do is to certainly help or augment our folks in the RCMPG again, just to provide that visible presence in the communities, to ensure that there's the people know that there is a love of public safety. All right, operator, could you please put through the next collar Western Standard? Very thank
you for the question. How are more heady m as Again? I just had a brief conversation with Brigader General Graham when I came in today and I met with the head of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry. They were the ones who indicated that here on site in Alberta, within their ranks, they
have three hundred fire individuals who have been trained in firefighting. So I think that would be the optimal situation is if we have military personnel who are already here, if they can be brought into into into service, and that's something that we'll leave with the emergency Command Center to figure out the best way to make use of those talents. Do you have a follow up offer and how
will we feed and how is volunteers? Did you say, well, look, there are many communities in northern Alberta that have people who have the talent and expertise on firefighting. That's who we're calling for, is that we're hoping that there are people who live within those communities who want to help put out fires in their communities. That was certainly the feedback that I got at Fox Lake is that there were individuals who'd been trained who wanted to be able to
help put out fires in their home communities. So that's what we'll be assessing. And I want to leave it to the experts to make sure that they're bringing people in to integrate with the teams who have the level of expertise that is going to work well with the team. You certainly don't want to bring in new people who are unfamiliar with how with how to this kind of firefighting, because that could then end up creating a situation that's dangerous for everyone.
So we wanted to make sure that because we know we have such talent in this province with individual firefighting in private sector companies as well as nonproprofits as well as First Nation communities. We just want to know to be open to seeing if there are individuals in some of those existing rural and remote communities who can integrate into our existing teams so that we have as many hands on deck to fight these fires locally as possible, so that we can reduce the overall cost
of the things that you'd mentioned. Thank you, operator. Could you please put through the next collar? Carler Robinson City News Everything, Carli, your phone might be mooted. Okay, operator, could you put through the next collar? Please? Thank you every him. I mean it's today and I stop to send residents who had the impression that the Common State the evacuation order
too soon from disagreed. But what lessons did you learn maybe from previous fires, like Foraorth mcmurrion, the timing of the evacuation ordered having to be given. I'll ask Colin to take that one. I'm gonna start with. I think it's a bit premature to start considering what kind of lessons we're learning from this. I did mention yesterday that I thought it was prudent that the local
authorities took the right action based upon the imminence of the threat. I think, you know, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. So my earlier work on this, I think it's too early. We will have a look at lessons learned when we get this event over, and we do have a French translator here to answer that in French. You can just come up and take my microphone if you'd like, Monsieur premature da mama,
m appropriately And do you have a follow up question? Audrey? Um, yes, what's your message for people who are you know, for naval and et and now they've come back home that they flowers raising you? No, not that not that far away. What's the message but people who have
come back on all the album with yes, you know? I think I might ask Christie to handle that one, because just to the earlier question that you had is part of the issue of what happened in a couple of communities is that they were evacuated and called back home and had to be evacuated again. And we certainly don't want to put people through that kind of disruption, so I want to but I also don't want to to overstate or understate the level of concern or risk there might be, so let me get Christy to
comment on that one. Yeah, I will just say that certainly, that fire and many others across the province saw a rapid change over a few days because of the extreme conditions and the winds that we saw. We did have the size of seventy seven thousand hectares on that fire, which is a significant
size fire, and that gives it a lot of power as well. It was fourteen kilometers southeast of Edson. It did overrun the Middle Lake Provincial Recreation Area, which I know was a great concern to residents in the area. Certainly, it was predicted that there could be an impact to structures during that burning period depending on the activity of the wildfire, and crews were working very
hard to avoid that scenario. Thank you, Madam Tucker. If you had the explicit um um adult that'sque Santi settorn dead son le santroni um if he comes uh So. Thank you for listening to everybody. You've been listening to policy and right here in depictions, media, radio, and we have to ensure that our electoral system is protected and it is truly reflecting what it is that we want from out of our government and who we want to see in
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