Support for Northern Saskatchewan Wildfire Evacuees: What You Need to Know
Canadian government collaborates with Canadian Red Cross to assist wildfire evacuees in Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan government, in collaboration with the Canadian Red Cross, is stepping up to help those displaced by wildfires in the province's northern regions. Here's the lowdown on the financial aid and support available:
Financial Aid Update
- Daily Allowance: The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has increased the daily allowance for registered evacuees. The head of household allowance bumps up to a hefty $40 per day, from $20 before. Each additional household member gets an extra $20, raising the total daily maximum to a whopping $200[1][5].
- Emergency Support: The SPSA offers Emergency Community Support (ECS) to eligible evacuees. However, there have been complaints about this program not catering to all evacuees, particularly those lodging in hotels[4].
Collaboration with Red Cross
- Red Cross Funding: The Saskatchewan government has handed a substantial $15 million to the Red Cross, joining forces with SPSA to give aid to more than 15,000 residents displaced by the wildfires[3][5].
Where to Turn for Help
For quick information or assistance, contact 1-800-863-6582 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.), or reach out to the SPSA at 1-855-559-5502.
For those questioning their support status, visit the SPSA's "Information for Evacuees" webpage to gain clarity[5].
Evacuation Situation
As of the latest reports, between 10,000 to 15,000 residents have been forced out of their homes, with 33 communities under evacuation[1][5]. Efforts are ongoing to safely return evacuees to their homes.
Criticism and Challenges
- Access to Aid: Concerns have been raised by the Saskatchewan NDP and evacuees about delays in receiving financial assistance and issues with operational support programs[4].
- Eligibility Loopholes: Some evacuees may not qualify for support if they choose to stay in hotels rather than with family, signifying the importance of more extensive support schemes[4].
Important Note
While the public is eager to provide donations to evacuees, SPSA officials advise holding off for the moment, as premature donations could potentially disrupt the process[5]. Expect updates on how to help soon!
Stay tuned for daily media briefings at 1:30 p.m., and check our News app for breaking news alerts on your mobile device for the latest on the wildfire situation in Saskatchewan.
[1] https://globalnews.ca/news/9079750/saskatchewan-wildfire-evacuation-orders/[2] https://globalnews.ca/news/8974919/saskatchewan-wildfire-update-june-16-2023/[3] https://globalnews.ca/news/9045531/saskatchewan-wildfire-red-cross-grant/[4] https://globalnews.ca/news/9061608/saskatchewan-wildfire-evacuees-concerns/[5] https://globalnews.ca/news/9079750/saskatchewan-wildfire-evacuation-orders/
- The increasing daily allowance for evacuees offer some relief in their challenging health situation, but complaints about the effectiveness of emergency support programs highlight the need for improvements in general-news and politics.
- Amidst the political debate on evacuation support, the collaboration between the Saskatchewan government and the Red Cross is a glimmer of hope in the general-news landscape, providing much-needed financial aid to over 15,000 displaced residents.
