The leaders of the United Conservative and New Democratic parties have committed to putting the needs of the over 24,000 Albertans whose homes have been destroyed by wildfires in northern and central Alberta at the forefront of their agendas.
The issue is occurring only days before a crucial provincial election scheduled for May 29. According to recent surveys, the two leading parties are running neck and neck, with a sizable percentage of voters still undecided.
Premier Danielle Smith of the UCP stated that she keeps NDP leader Rachel Notley up to date on the government’s handling of the wildfire issue. Given that she served as premier when a serious fire threatened Fort McMurray in May 2016, Notley has experience with these circumstances.
She believes the election will go as scheduled. But how things turn out in the next few days will determine what eventually happens in certain towns. Elections Alberta notified me that they would be making local allowances since these are locally specific issues, according to Smith.
“The hope I think everyone has is that we will make sure we get through the immediate crisis we’re in and get people back into their communities.”
Smith asserted that the provincial administration is still on duty and watching out for public safety despite the upcoming election.
“I want Albertans to know that a stable, working government is there to support them during this unprecedented crisis,” said the premier.
Smith turned up for a vote. In six ridings that are immediately impacted by the wildfire crisis, Notley said her party has put a halt to municipal elections.
The ridings are Lesser Slave Lake, Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, Central Peace-Notley, West Yellowhead, and Grande Prairie-Wapiti.
Todd Loewen, the minister of forestry, parks, and tourism, who is running in the Central Peace-Notley riding, and Andrew Boitchenko, the candidate in the Drayton Valley-Devon riding, both had their campaigns formally halted, Smith said at the press conference on Saturday.
