Premier Jason Kenney says the province is ready to offer financial help to anyone forced to evacuate due to flooding.
Environment and Parks Minister, Jason Nixon was also at the press conference as mentioned that approximately 450 people had to leave the low lying areas of Fort Vermilion.
Nixon also pointed out that around 13,000 people had to flee Fort McMurray.
Kenney said that residents would receive $1,250 with an additional $500 per-child under 18 years of age.
The Premier added that affected people can apply starting on Monday.
Kenney mentioned that he expected the Fort McMurray flood would qualify Alberta Disaster Recovery Program.
The Trending 55 Newsroom asked the Premier if any money would be available for Mackenzie County under the program.
“I spoke with the Reeve (Josh) Knelsen and his CAO on Monday night and they are focused on emergency management at this point so we didn’t really talk about future potential recovery costs, “explains Kenney.
He also added that he has not received any advice at this time as to whether or not Fort Vermilion would qualify under the program.
In a post on Mackenzie County’s Facebook page, Knelsen says water levels have dropped 2.5 metres but also said the evacuation order will not be lifted until the safety of all residents is assured.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
