News Release
Supporting Jasper through recovery: Premier Smith
Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement marking one year since the Jasper wildfire:
“One year ago, life was forever changed for the people of Jasper.
“The wildfire that struck in July 2024 forced hundreds of families to flee their homes, shuttered local businesses and brought an entire community to a halt. What should have been a peaceful summer turned into fear, uncertainty and loss. For many Jasperites, that difficult chapter still isn’t over, and my heart is with every person or family still waiting to return home.
“While much was tragically lost to the fire, many homes and businesses were saved. We know that would not have been possible without the courage and professionalism of first responders. Firefighters from across the province, utility crews, police, paramedics and municipal staff came together, risked their safety and gave everything they had to protect the community. We are deeply grateful for their service.
“The road to full recovery for the Municipality of Jasper and its residents has not yet come to an end. Our government remains fully committed to working with the Municipality of Jasper, Parks Canada and all levels of government until the community is not only restored but made stronger and more resilient for the future.”
Quick facts
Alberta has invested more than $181 million to support Jasper’s recovery:
Up to $149 million in Disaster Recovery Program funding.
$7.5 million in emergency evacuation payments to over 6,500 Jasperites.
$12.9 million in matching funds to support the Canadian Red Cross with helping residents and business owners.
$2.5 million in tourism support.
$121,400 to the Jasper Food Bank.
$3 million in property tax relief for residents and businesses.
$6.5 million in revenue stabilization for the municipality.
$14 million to help rebuild a seniors complex for displaced senior residents of the Pine Grove Manor.
$2 million one-time grant for regional transit services.
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Jasper wildfire anniversary: a time to focus, a time to do better
Calgary – On the one-year anniversary of the Jasper wildfires, Naheed Nenshi and Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus stand with the people of Jasper. Together, Albertans mourn deep losses, gratefully remember the life of firefighter Morgan Kitchen, celebrate first responders, public servants and community volunteers, and resolve to learn and do better.
“As Albertans, let’s continue to support Jasper,” said Nenshi. “I encourage all Albertans to visit this national park this summer, taking advantage of the Canada Strong pass, and to support local businesses and residents. Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus has also scheduled our next caucus meeting in Jasper to do our own small part.”
A report commissioned by the Town of Jasper outlined further lessons on what happened during last year’s fires and how to improve preparedness for future emergencies.
“This anniversary is an important opportunity to take stock of what was learned and figure out how to do better,” said Nenshi. “The Town of Jasper did exactly the right thing in engaging with experts to conduct a post-action analysis and reflection. All parties should commit to learning from and abiding by those recommendations.”
Premier Danielle Smith’s first response to the report was to discard its findings and cast blame on municipal and federal governments.
“The Premier’s response to the report last week was appalling,” said Nenshi. “She clearly had not read it and lashed out in anger at people who had been very badly hurt. Her backtracking yesterday made it even worse. Rather than apologizing for her outburst, she blamed the media and the town again.
“Anniversaries like this are hard on everyone. They bring up bad memories and dredge up old fears. The last thing anyone needs is the Premier forcing them to backtrack, second-guess themselves, and do more work. Ironically, this is exactly what the report suggested occurred during the wildfire. Clearly the Premier and Minister Ellis have learned nothing.”
Nenshi encouraged the Premier to work with all orders of government to better serve Albertans impacted by natural disasters.
“At a time when wildfires are burning across the province and the people of Slave Lake are under an evacuation alert, Albertans deserve a government that is continuously focused on being better, not on insulting, belittling, and threatening anyone who would dare criticize them.”
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Pinoy Edmonton News 