Thank you, Minister.
Minister Gould, we see right across the country, from coast to coast to coast, in western and eastern Canada and in the north, wildfires raging.
In fact, the riding beside mine, New Brunswick Southwest, is literally on fire. I know the MP for New Brunswick Southwest describes climate change as “just weather”, but we know that's not the case.
The area near Saint Andrews, the Bocabec area, is profoundly impacted. It affects people's lives and livelihoods. Government benefits and entitlements are critically important for those fleeing their homes and subject to evacuation orders.
Could you please share with the committee what ESDC is doing to support people affected by these natural disasters, and how this fits into the Government of Canada's larger emergency response strategy?
Thank you.