The Canadian military is on its way to Alberta to help battle the wildfires..Government officials confirmed with the Western Standard on Monday that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will ask for military help..An official announcement is expected shortly..Smith spoke with the premiers of Canada at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and also has a call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the lunch hour where she will make the request..It is unclear how many troops or what equipment are on the way to help battle the blazes. It was reported on social media soldiers were told last week to kit up for possible deployment..“I have a conversation planned with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,” Smith told the Western Standard on Sunday..“There'll be a number of things that I hope he'll be able to assist with. I will be likely asking if he has firefighting expertise that he can send as well as perhaps engineers to assist with some of the fire breaks or rebuilding that needs to be done.”.On Monday, at 11:48 a.m. Smith said "I had a very productive call this morning with prime minister Trudeau."."Alberta has requested assistance from the federal government to deal with the devastating wildfires," Smith said..Smith said Trudeau assured her that Canada would be there to support Alberta in any way possible..Smith said Alberta has sent a letter outlining a request for assistance from Alberta Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis to federal ministers Blair and Mendocino.."I just got off the phone with premier smither of Alberta," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.."To express the fact that Canadians stand with the people of Alberta as they deal with these terrible, terrible, wildfires all weekend watching images from the communities affected".Trudeau said he assured that the federal government will "be there to help."."For people who are affected by extreme weather events. I want to highlight as well that we will be working with the Red Cross to put forward matching funds so that Canadians who are watching people during these extraordinarily difficult times are able to send their support. That's what we do. Canadians are there for each other in difficult times and we will continue to be.".Meanwhile in Calgary, the city has opened its Emergency Operations Centre and activated its Municipal Emergency Plan in support of the province and Alberta wildfire evacuees..The city has opened a reception centre to provide access to accommodations for evacuees and their pets as well as and mental health supports.."We are fortunate to be able to leverage our partnerships to support those that have been displaced by the wildfires and are experiencing a difficult time." says Chief Sue Henry, Calgary Emergency Management Agency.."Our hearts are with those that are having to go through this and in addition to their physical needs, we feel it important to address the emotional aspects to the situation as well.".While all evacuees are encouraged to register online, if in need of accommodation, they are able to access support at the Calgary reception centre at the Stampede Grandstand (2200 Stampede Trail SE), from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice..Parking for evacuees access the reception centre is free.
