Premier John Horgan has pledged his ongoing support for the people and communities affected by wildfires in B.C.’s Interior, as the cabinet meets for the first time in Victoria.

“When we face difficult times, people and communities come together to help each other. Our government is stepping up our support of the people affected by the devastating wildfires in the B.C. Interior,” said Premier Horgan.

British Columbia’s wildfire situation was the first order of business at the government’s first cabinet meeting this morning.

The Province has extended the state of emergency to ensure a co-ordinated response to the wildfires, and has committed to provide ongoing direct financial support to evacuees. The current one-time $600-per-household funding will be renewed every 14 days on an ongoing basis until evacuees return home.

In addition, Premier Horgan has appointed a cabinet task force with the following members:

• Hon. Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
• Hon. Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
• Hon. Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development
• Hon. Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
• Hon. Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
• Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness

Ministers Donaldson and Farnworth and Parliamentary Secretary Rice will travel to the Interior Thursday, July 20 to visit evacuees and local officials.

“A strong, co-ordinated response to the wildfires is our highest priority. To the evacuees, emergency responders, firefighters and volunteers: British Columbians stand with you every step of the way,” said Premier Horgan.

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