As Canada marks ten years since the devastating 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires, the Government of Canada recognizes the strength and resilience demonstrated by the people of Fort McMurray, surrounding communities, Indigenous partners, and first responders in the face of widespread destruction.
Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, acknowledged the significant impacts of the disaster and reaffirmed the federal government's ongoing commitment to recovery and resilience.
To support Alberta's recovery efforts, Minister Olszewski announced the final payment of $78,394,638 through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program. A total of $385,394,638 has been provided to Alberta for the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires.
When a large-scale natural hazard disaster happens, the Government of Canada provides financial assistance to provinces and territories through the DFAA program. Through this support the Government of Canada covers eligible disaster response and recovery expenses that have been submitted by the province or territory and that exceed what they could reasonably be expected to bear on their own.
This final payment reflects the federal government's commitment to sharing disaster recovery costs and strengthening emergency management leadership across Canada.
In addition to disaster financial assistance, the Government of Canada has supported long-term resilience and recovery in the Fort McMurray region, including more than $10 million through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) - formerly Western Economic Diversification Canada - over the past ten years to support economic recovery, business development, and community resilience. PrairiesCan operates a service location in Fort McMurray to work closely with community members and partners, helping turn local priorities into meaningful action with long-term impact. Federal investments through PrairiesCan continue to deliver lasting benefits, strengthening workforce capacity, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the region's ability to respond to future economic and environmental shocks.
The 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 people, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and became the most expensive natural disaster in Canadian history.
Throughout the response and recovery, first responders, emergency management professionals, Indigenous leadership, volunteers, and community organizations worked tirelessly to protect lives and support evacuees. The Government of Canada extends its deepest gratitude to all those whose service and sacrifice aided the recovery and helped communities rebuild.
The Government of Canada continues to work closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous governments and partners to enhance disaster preparedness, response and recovery, particularly as climate-related disasters increase in frequency and severity.
