OTTAWA TO MATCH DONATIONS TO RED CROSS FOR FORT MAC WILDFIRE
May 05, 2016
By Bob Komsic
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The federal government has announced more assistance to help those affected by the raging wildfire in Fort McMurray Alberta.
Prime Minster Justin Trudeau announced in the Commons, “in addition to the government of Canada providing future assistance … the government will also be matching individual charitable donations made to the Canadian Red Cross in support of disaster relief.“
MPs across party lines applauded the announcement.
The other party leaders also expressed support for Albertans.
Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose, who represents an Edmonton riding, held back tears, struggling to finish her statement to the Commons.
“I want to thank again the prime minister and the minister of public safety for making this issue apriority, but most of all … on behalf of all of us,(I want) to tell the families, the workers, the first responders and all of the public officials that are coping with this crisis that we`re here for them.“
After she finished speaking, the prime minister crossed the floor, shook Ambrose`s hand and offered a hug in a show of support.
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair thanked Ambrose for her “moving words.“
In his own statement, Mulcair observed, “there is something incredibly reassuring to see how Canadians respond… stories of neighbours helping neighbours, good folks helping good folks. I don`t if there are too many societies on earth where that type of calamity would be met with that type of stoic, strong and poised response.“