OTTAWA – The Government of Canada is providing an advance payment of $175 million through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) to the province of British Columbia. This money will help with the costs associated with long-term recovery and rebuilding in communities affected by the wildfires this past summer.

The federal government also issued a payment of $38.6 million to the Canadian Red Cross in October, in support of those affected by the B.C. wildfires. In addition to assisting communities during evacuations, this funding is being used to support evacuees in the long process of recovery, for example, to ease re-entry into their homes and communities and to re-establish their livelihoods.

“Although the wildfires are extinguished, a long, hard recovery process continues for many as they struggle with lost homes and businesses. The funding and support announced today will help those affected by the wildfires rebuild their homes and communities and get their lives back to normal,” said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Mike Farnworth, British Columbia Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said the province is grateful to the federal government for stepping up to the plate to advance these funds to help British Columbians as they recover and begin the long process of rebuilding their homes and businesses.