Alberta NDP, 2 UCP candidates suspend campaigns in areas impacted by wildfires
Posted May 6, 2023 3:26 pm.
Last Updated May 8, 2023 11:15 am.
The Alberta NDP is suspending its election campaigns in areas impacted by wildfires, while two UCP candidates are doing the same.
The Opposition party says that means six campaigns are on hold:
- Drayton Valley-Devon
- Lesser Slave Lake
- Central Peace-Notley
- Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland
- West Yellowhead
- Grande Prairie-Wapiti
The two UCP candidates pausing their campaigns are Todd Loewen (Central Peace-Notley) and Andrew Boitchenko (Drayton Valley-Devon).
More than 24,000 Albertans have been forced to evacuate due to 110 active wildfires in the province.
READ MORE:
- Alberta wildfires ‘rapidly evolving’: Danielle Smith
- Strathcona County lifts evacuation order
- More than 100 active wildfires burn across Alberta
Party leader Rachel Notley expressed her sympathy to all Albertans who were forced to evacuate.
“To all of those impacted, I want to say this: Alberta has your back. Across the province, regular Albertans are stepping up, opening their homes and their hearts,” said Notley.
“In the coming days, I know we will see an outpouring of generosity and support as the province pulls together to stand strong, to support one another, and to make sure our children and our seniors are cared for. We will help you get through this because that is who we are as Albertans.”
Notley also stressed there is a need for financial and mental-health supports for people impacted.
“I want you to know that we will all work to make this easier for you. Whether you need support for your daily living, whether you need comprehensive information, whether you need health supports, we will do everything we can to make sure your government has your back,” she said.
“I also want to formally extend my offer to the Premier and fellow members of the Emergency Cabinet Committee that I join their meetings as they work through this difficult situation,” she said.
