While the Prime Minister visited Saskatchewan on Friday, Premier Brad Wall started a conversation on how fighting wildfires in the country can be improved.
Stephen Harper and Wall toured La Ronge to see some of the destruction caused by the massive fires.
“Our government does stand by and is ready to assist any province or territory that requests federal assistance in fighting forest fires,” Harper told the media later in Regina. “We’re happy to work with the provinces and territories on ways to better help them respond to forest fires in the future.”
Wall, along with B.C. Premier Christy Clark, has suggested having an enhanced military presence during wildfires and a national cache of technology.
Following his meeting with Harper, Wall disclosed for the first time that the cost of fighting the wildfires this year will be upwards of $100 million.
“We’ll be applying for federal support for the cost of the fire. There’s certain programs and initiatives for which we think we’re eligible,” Wall said.
The Premier also highlighted that a full review will be done regarding the wildfire response, with changes resulting from that review to be in place before next year’s wildfire season.
With files from the Canadian Press.
AChristianson@rawlco.com
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