“Our government has been steadfast in our support for Jasper’s recovery. The Jasper Re-Entry Cabinet Committee has been meeting on a weekly basis since August 22, 2024. Prior to that, the Emergency Management Cabinet Committee was meeting daily to respond to emerging issues related to the wildfire situation across the province, including the wildfire that devastated the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park.

“The mandate of Alberta’s Jasper Re-Entry Cabinet Committee is to provide oversight and support in the transition from emergency response to long-term recovery. The committee provides direction to provincial representatives on the Jasper Recovery Task Force, which is working closely with the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada to determine the best solutions to promote recovery in the area.

“While the wildfire in Jasper originated within Jasper National Park, Alberta’s Jasper Re-Entry Cabinet Committee provided $7.5 million in emergency evacuation payments to support more than 6,500 evacuees from the town of Jasper, followed by a provincial Disaster Recovery Program with a budget of up to $149 million to support Jasper’s recovery. However, under the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program, only a portion of Alberta’s costs are eligible for reimbursement.

“Now that the federal government has also established a working group for Jasper’s recovery, we are calling on the federal government to waive the DFAA cost-share formula, given that this fire originated from the national park, which is under federal jurisdiction. We encourage quick decisions to ensure plans that fit Jasper’s unique circumstances are in place before the snow flies.

“Alberta's government has a plan for interim housing to support Jasper residents while they rebuild their homes and community. To support this plan we have asked the federal government to partner with Alberta in sharing the costs of this project that would provide much needed interim housing in Jasper through the DFAA. With winter fast approaching, we hope that they will support this important work to provide interim housing in Jasper.

“We’re glad to see that the federal government has now appointed a task force of ministers at the federal level. It is our hope that the task force will respond to these requests and work with us to continue supporting Jasper residents.”

Key Facts:

  • Alberta’s government contributed more than $12 million in matching funds to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Wildfire Appeal for donations to help Jasper residents impacted by wildfires.
  • Residents affected by mandatory evacuation orders were provided emergency evacuation payments.
  • Weekly telephone townhalls were set up to provide information to Jasper residents.
  • Schools reopened in September after undergoing deep cleaning.
  • All services at the Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre returned to normal on August 26.
  • Arrangements were made to safely relocate seniors from affected facilities.
  • The Canadian Red Cross launched its support program for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations with funds from the Alberta government.
  • Mental health supports were provided through reception centres and continue to be provided at the Re-Entry Centre in Jasper.
  • Together with the Municipality of Jasper, we have worked with the federal government to streamline processes for obtaining permits for demolition, remediation and debris removal at non-industrial sites.

Membership of Alberta’s Jasper Re-entry Cabinet Committee (JRCC):

  • Danielle Smith, Premier (Chair)
  • Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs, (Vice-chair)
  • Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
  • Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
  • Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure
  • Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks
  • Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
  • Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals
  • Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport
  • Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade
  • Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
  • Martin Long, parliamentary secretary for Rural Health, MLA for West Yellowhead