Federal government to match Red Cross donations to help wildfire victims

The federal government says it will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross as wildfires tear across the Prairies, forcing thousands from their homes.

Speaking on Parliament Hill Tuesday, Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski said the money will go toward wildfire relief and disaster recovery.

The provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba will also match donations, she said.

WATCH | Federal government matching donations to Red Cross for wildfire relief

Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski announced that the federal government will match donations to the Canadian Red Cross to help wildfire relief and recovery efforts in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, along with those provincial governments.

"This wildfire season has started off more quickly, and it's stronger, more intense than previous years," said the Edmonton-based minister.

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"Building a strong Canada means helping each other."

Residents across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta have been asked to evacuate as wildfires rage, threatening communities and bringing thick, smoky air to parts of Canada.

Olszewski said the government has already deployed Canadian Armed Forces personnel and equipment to northern Manitoba and is prepared to do the same if the Saskatchewan or Alberta governments put formal requests in.