This release was issued under a previous government.
The emergency funding was intended to cover immediate housing needs and day-to-day purchases and to limit out-of-pocket expenses as a result of the evacuation. With longer-term supports available to help Albertans rebuild, the emergency payment program is ending on Oct. 31.
“As a province and a government we have stood with and supported the residents of Wood Buffalo. Having to flee your home and leave your belongings behind is incredibly hard and we reached out quickly to ensure evacuees had financial assistance to help them through this difficult time. I know it made a real difference to families struggling because of this devastating disaster. After helping 96,000 people, we must continue to come together and shift our focus from short to long-term supports.”
Eligible Albertans who have not yet applied for wildfire relief funding have until Oct. 31, 2016 to apply at Alberta Works Centres.
Eligible Albertans requiring emergency benefits can apply for supports through the Alberta Works Income Support program.