Photo Courtesy Alberta NDP

By Tanner Smith

Wildfires/Provincial Election

Alberta NDP suspending local campaigns for evacuated areas

May 6, 2023 | 3:29 PM

The Alberta NDP has announced they are suspending all local campaigns impacted by the Alberta wildfire situation.

The seven active NDP operating ridings that are being evacuated and suspended include:

• Drayton Valley-Devon
• Lesser Slave Lake
• Central Peace-Notley
• Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland
• Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville
• West Yellowhead
• Grande Prairie-Wapiti

In a release, NDP leader Rachel Notley expressed her concerns to all Albertans; “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, in the coming days, I know we will see an outpouring of generosity and support as the province pulls together to stand strong, support one another, and 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 went on to thank all firefighters, first responders, public servants, and community members for their heroism and response to support residents fleeing their homes.

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“In terms of statistics, here is the information that is available. As of 9:30 a.m. this morning (Saturday), there are currently 103, active wildfires in Alberta burning 121,909 hectares. Since 11 a.m. yesterday (Friday), there have been 45 new wildfire starts, 14 states of local emergency, and two band council resolutions have been declared by local governments, and Indigenous leadership, and in total, we have seen 24,511 Albertans, evacuated from their homes, to ensure their safety. “

She added in her announcement officials will be meeting and deliberating on all possible options regarding the wildfire situation later today, which will include the potential of a provincial State of Emergency.

An announcement from officials is planned for 5:00 p.m., on Saturday May 6.

UCP Leader Danielle Smith also provided provincial lines and services Albertans can use to get up-to-date information and support.