Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak to the wildfire crisis taking place in the heart of our country. The raging fires in my home province of Manitoba and across the Prairies are displacing thousands of residents, destroying homes and infrastructure, and threatening the very safety of our communities, but as we face this crisis, we are also seeing something extraordinary: the strength and resilience of our communities and citizens coming together in support of one another.
First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, firefighters, paramedics and Canadian Armed Forces personnel who have been working tirelessly to protect lives and property. These brave men and women are on the front lines, selflessly putting their safety at risk. The work they are doing is nothing short of heroic, and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. Equally inspiring is the response from our communities. Local organizations, neighbours and volunteers have come together in a way that speaks to the very best of who we are as Canadians. From organizing shelter and food for evacuees to providing emotional support for those affected, Manitobans are showing incredible compassion and solidarity.
I want to take a moment to also give thanks to the groups, associations and individuals who have stepped up in my hometown of Winnipeg and across Manitoba as we face this crisis. There are many powerful examples that showcase who we are as Winnipeggers and Manitobans. The Winnipeg Humane Society, for instance, has set up a temporary shelter for evacuees with pets. This facility, located at the St. Norbert Community Centre in my home riding of Winnipeg South, opened today and will be a vital support for families with pets.
The Manitoba Métis Federation has opened a command centre to support evacuees with donations and supplies while also coordinating volunteers to transport those who have been displaced, provide temporary housing and prepare hot meals. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has also mobilised quickly, establishing a donation centre at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg to collect supplies for evacuees.
There are community centres, along with university and college campuses. My riding is the home of the University of Winnipeg and a number of technical colleges. These facilities across Canada have also contributed by providing shelter and safe spaces for those who have been displaced.
It is through the amazing efforts of these groups, and countless others across Manitoba, that we are reminded of the power of community, the importance of unity and the unwavering commitment to helping one another in times of crisis. As of today, more than 17,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. In some cases, entire communities have been evacuated. In northern Manitoba, Flin Flon, Lynn Lake, Pukatawagan, Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Poplar River have been some of the hardest hit.
On Wednesday, Premier Wab Kinew from Manitoba asked for federal assistance to deal with the wildfire crisis, and Prime Minister Carney immediately agreed.