OTTAWA,
ON, Feb. 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the
Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport, Minister responsible
for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Ministerial Lead for
Jasper, issued the following statement:
"As Chair of the Jasper Recovery Working Group, I convened a
meeting with my ministerial colleagues to continue driving Jasper's
recovery following last year's devastating, unprecedented
wildfires.
"Rebuilding Jasper is our priority. We are accelerating progress
through federal support that is coordinated with our provincial,
municipal, and Indigenous partners. We remain committed to working
together to address the community's urgent and specific needs,
including housing and support for workers.
"Today's meeting builds on my visit to Jasper earlier this
month, where I announced $160.1 million in federal investments to
support the town, its residents, and Jasper National Park. This included almost
$40 million towards interim and
longer-term permanent housing for the community, and almost 320
housing interim units which have already begun arriving. While
there, I heard from the community about the urgency of rebuilding
in time for the 2025 tourist season. I was humbled by their
resilience in the face of this difficult situation and made a
commitment to bring their concerns back to Ottawa—so we can work
together to deliver real solutions. That's exactly what we're
doing.
"I am honoured to serve as Ministerial Lead for the Jasper
recovery. Our job is to help Jasper rebuild and come back stronger
by supporting the local community and preserving the unique
character and natural beauty that draws the world to one of
Canada's greatest
destinations."
Working Group members:
- Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport
and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
(Chair)
- Steven Guilbeault, Minister of
Environment and Climate Change
- Harjit S. Sajjan, President of
the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness
and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development
Agency of Canada
- Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and
Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency
- Patty Hajdu, Minister of
Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal
Economic Development Agency for Northern
Ontario
- Nate Erskine-Smith, Minister of
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
SOURCE Government of Canada
