Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford issued this statement today about the Ontario government’s response to the wildfire in Northwestern Ontario:
“Emergency response personnel are working closely with the Ontario Provincial Police, community leaders, and other agencies to fight the fires in Northwestern Ontario and ensure people can evacuate safely. Multiple First Nation communities across the region are threatened with risks to public health and wellness.
I want to thank neighbouring communities who have volunteered to support those affected. While local authorities will lead and coordinate evacuations of people, we are on the front-line fighting the fire.
I appreciate the tireless efforts of first responders and leadership in the affected Indigenous communities, and want to thank them for working to protect these communities.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. We will do everything we can to protect residents, visitors and property. The safety and well-being of those in the affected areas is the priority as we respond to this emergency.”
