Photo: The Canadian Press

Ashcroft wildfire

The federal government has announced the creation of a new committee help recovery efforts from wildfires raging across B.C.

The ad hoc cabinet committee will co-ordinate federal efforts to help communities affected by the fires.

It will advise on government’s role in mitigation, recovery, and rebuilding efforts and complement on-the-ground efforts through local operations centres. 

The Government of Canada will stand with British Columbians every step of the way, the government said in a press release issued Sunday.

“Our thoughts are with all British Columbians dealing with the devastating impacts of these wildfires. Our new cabinet committee will work hard to address both the immediate and long-term needs of all the families, communities and businesses affected. I would like to thank the first responders, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and all those working around the clock to help those affected by the wildfires. You represent the best of Canada," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Committee members will include:

• Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sports and Persons with Disabilities (Chair)
• Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions (Vice-Chair)
• Carolyn Bennett,  Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
• Jean Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
• Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
• Kent Hehr, Minister Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
• Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
• Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada