SUNDRE - The provincial government is committed to supporting Albertans impacted by wildfires in the district and elsewhere in the province, says Jason Nixon, Sundre-area MLA and Smith cabinet minister.
Responding to Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) claims that the Smith government failed to heed warnings from front-line wildland firefighting staff and bears responsibility for the disaster in Jasper, Nixon provided a statement to the Albertan.
“Alberta’s government is dedicated to supporting Albertans affected by wildfires,” said Nixon, the minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “We are deeply grateful for the incredible front-line responders who are working tirelessly to keep Albertans and our province safe.”
The provincial government has increased the fire management budget to $155 million in 2024, he said.
“We continue to call for unity and collaboration during this difficult time as we assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts,” he said.
In a recent news release, the 95,000 member AUPE said its members who work in Alberta Wildfire “have tried convincing the government to take their concerns seriously, but the government refused to prepare the province for another harsh wildfire season.”
AUPE vice president James Gault said, “Front-line workers warned Premier Smith about this for months, but the government did nothing. This is what happens when you remove front-line staff from the fight due to lack of gear and resources. Every town and life lost to an out-of-control wildfire is a policy failure.”
The UCP government has “failed to hire, train and keep experienced staff for years,” he said.
Jason Nixon's Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre riding includes wooded areas in Mountain View and Clearwater County.
