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Wildfire expenses in Manitoba mount, as evacuations persist

Manitoba authorities inked a $30-million deal with the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked for evacuee assistance and associated services connected to this year's wildfires.

,   and  ASMedia
2 min read
Expenses associated with Manitoba's severe wildfire season are becoming clearer, evacuations...
Expenses associated with Manitoba's severe wildfire season are becoming clearer, evacuations continue

Wildfire expenses in Manitoba mount, as evacuations persist

In the wake of Manitoba's worst wildfire season in at least 30 years, the provincial government has signed a significant contract with the Canadian Red Cross to manage evacuee support and related services. The contract, worth $30-million, sheds light on the expenses associated with the disaster relief efforts.

Under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program of the Canadian government, the Canadian Red Cross has coordinated and undertaken costs for emergency measures related to the 2022 wildfires. The Red Cross has been at the forefront of providing shelter and aid for evacuees this year, managing large evacuee centres such as a large indoor soccer complex and a section of the main convention centre in Winnipeg.

This contract represents more than half of the province's total annual budget for emergency services, underscoring the scale of the disaster and the extensive efforts required for relief. However, Finance Minister Adrien Sala has acknowledged that it's still too early to estimate a total cost. An update on the overall financial impact of the wildfires is expected next month.

Another recently disclosed contract shows the province signed a deal with hotel chain Canad Inns for just over $673,000. The exact nature and scope of this contract are yet to be detailed, but it's clear that the wildfires have necessitated substantial financial resources to ensure the well-being of those affected.

As the province continues to grapple with the aftermath of the wildfires, the community's resilience and the efforts of organisations like the Canadian Red Cross remain a beacon of hope in these challenging times. The total cost of the disaster relief efforts is still unfolding, but the current figures serve as a stark reminder of the resources required to respond to such crises.

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