OTTAWA - The fire in Fort McMurray is a tragedy that no person or community should have to endure. All Canadians should be doing what they can to make sure those affected have the resources and support they need in these hard times. This is not a time for blame. It is time to stand together and make sure the people are safe and well cared for. As Executive Directors of environmental groups in Canada, we are asking everyone to take the time to donate to the Red Cross and show the people of Fort McMurray and surrounding First Nations communities that Canada has their back.
Eventually the rebuilding will begin. That includes rebuilding Fort McMurray and ensuring we take the necessary steps to prevent this from happening to any other communities. We need to figure out how can we adapt our communities to deal with the risk of fires and we need to take action to reduce the risk of climate change. This is part of the rebuilding process and this is the responsibility of all Canadians.
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For further information, please contact:
Peter Robinson, David Suzuki Foundation, 604 732-4228, extension 1284
Devon Page, Ecojustice, 778-828-5512
Graham Saul, Ecology Ottawa, 613-710-2819
Tim Gray, Environmental Defence, 416 986 2408
Sidney Ribaux, Equiterre, 514-910-2024
Joanna Kerr, Greenpeace Canada, 416-659-0294
Lyndsay Poaps, Leadnow, 778-871-3570
Diane Beckett, Sierra Club of Canada, 613-241-4611
Karen Mahon, Stand, 604-836-5992
Jessica Clogg, West Coast Environmental Law, 778-327-8964