Executive Directors at Environmental Groups Release Statement on Fort McMurray Fire

All Canadians should be doing what they can to make sure those affected have the resources and support they need in these hard times.

OTTAWA, May 6, 2016 /CNW/ – 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.

Signed:

Peter Robinson, David Suzuki Foundation;

Devon Page, Ecojustice;

Graham Saul, Ecology Ottawa;

Tim Gray, Environmental Defence;

Sidney Ribaux, Equiterre;

Joanna Kerr, Greenpeace Canada;

Lyndsay Poaps, Leadnow;

Diane Beckett, Sierra Club of Canada;

Karen Mahon, Stand;

Jessica Clogg, West Coast Environmental Law.