By Canadian Press

FINANCIAL AID

Emergency funds for High Level evacuees to start flowing by Monday

May 24, 2019 | 3:49 PM

HIGH LEVEL, Alta. — Alberta’s municipal affairs minister says emergency funds should be available to northwestern Alberta fire evacuees by Monday.

Kaycee Madu says every adult will get $1,250 — plus $500 for every dependent child — for gas, food and other expenses.

Evacuees can start applying for electronic transfers at noon on Sunday and pre-loaded debit cards can be picked up at reception centres on Monday.

About 5,000 people in High Level and surrounding communities have been out of their homes since the long weekend.

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“Conditions in northwest Alberta remain dangerous and still require caution,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. “These emergency payments will make it easier for families to be out of their homes until it is safe to return.”

High Level mayor Crystal McAteer had urged the provincial government to move quickly on emergency aid because vulnerable people were without funds.

The Chuckegg Creek fire now covers nearly 993 square kilometres, but for now it is spreading away from the town.