Premier Smith:Statement on Jasper Wildfire Response and Recovery

Statement on Jasper Wildfire Response and Recovery

Premier Danielle Smith, Minister Mike Ellis, Minister Todd Loewen, and Minister Jason Nixon

It is with great disappointment that we respond to a recent report and the subsequent media frenzy, which grossly understates the concerted efforts of the Alberta government during the Jasper wildfire. Despite our swift deployment of emergency resources, including crews, funding, and operational support, these contributions are either downplayed or entirely overlooked.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the wildfire originated within Jasper National Park, a federally managed area under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada. As such, the initial response and fire management fell exclusively under federal control. Alberta promptly provided support when called upon, operating within the constraints of that jurisdictional reality. AB Wildfire had no part in the management of the wildfire until after the fire breached the town. Prior to that, AB Wildfire was providing personnel and equipment as requested.

Moreover, the report fails to comprehensively address the broader and ongoing issue of forest management practices within national parks, an area of exclusive federal responsibility. The long-standing lack of adequate fuel reduction and forest health maintenance in these areas has significantly contributed to the wildfire risk facing communities such as Jasper and others.

The report and the media response not only appear politically motivated but are also misguided, given their selective framing and failure to acknowledge the tireless work of provincial emergency personnel and leadership. Notably, local officials raised no concerns when provincial wildfire firefighting teams arrived rapidly with personnel and equipment, nor when Alberta stepped up to fill gaps in funding, logistics, and accommodations. These facts deserve recognition.

To set the record straight, the Government of Alberta:

• Provided Alberta Wildfire crews, equipment, and expertise from day one and immediately relocated additional crews and equipment to locations close to Jasper to be on standby for when Parks Canada requested them.

• Deployed Alberta municipal fire fighting teams from all over the province who worked to save structures all night.

• Mobilized Alberta Search and Rescue teams from across the province to do door-to-door checks and evacuate residents.

• Mobilized Alberta's health and housing system to move vulnerable hospital, long-term care, and lodge residents.

• Established evacuation centers, evacuation payments, and evacuation hotels.

• Placed provincial social services, mental health, and health workers on site immediately.

• Coordinated multiple town halls to communicate with residents.

• Provincially-funded and coordinated support teams flew over hot spots for weeks after the event.

The Emergency Management Cabinet Committee demonstrated strong leadership throughout the crisis, meeting daily to ensure Alberta's emergency response mechanisms were fully engaged, and approved $181 million in disaster financial assistance along with property tax relief.

This support reinforced the importance of unified command and inter-agency coordination, something the report itself seems to misunderstand or downplay.

After-incident reports are critical in helping us learn and improve. We hope all jurisdictions take a closer look at their own deficiencies rather than shift blame onto others. When you have crews and equipment involved in an incident of this magnitude and the dangers involved, getting information to those responsible for management and decision-making is critical to understand how to best utilize resources and analyze the dangers. Alberta remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure communities are protected and responses are effective, now and in the future.

We urge all parties involved to engage in a constructive and factual discussion, focusing on tangible improvements and collaboration, rather than perpetuating a narrative that undermines the collective efforts of our emergency responders and the people of Alberta.