The Manitoba government is making emergency financial support available for residents of Cranberry Portage and surrounding communities who have been evacuated from their homes due to wildfire activity, Premier Wab Kinew announced last Sunday (May 19).
“We know the impact that these wildfires have had on families in Cranberry Portage and surrounding communities,” said Kinew. “As people begin to return home, we you to know that your government is going to be there for you. We’re providing this financial support to help make sure families don’t have to worry about getting groceries or paying the bills at this challenging time.”
A wildfire located 1.5 kilometres from Cranberry Portage caused the evacuation of residents from Sourdough Bay, Whitefish Lake, Twin Lakes, Bakers Narrows, Schist Lake North and Cranberry Portage.
The premier noted there are currently over 800 Manitobans registered with Emergency Social Services (ESS). ESS provides support when evacuations extend beyond three days, including covering direct costs for accommodations, per diem assistance to offset meal and transportation costs.
This additional supplement is a one-time assistance that is available to those under mandatory evacuation due to wildfires for seven days or more, the premier noted, adding, through this initiative, eligible adults will receive $200 and eligible children will receive $100.
The supplement will be issued in impacted communities to individuals and families who registered with an ESS reception centre and who meet the eligibility criteria. For additional program details and ESS registration information, impacted citizens can visit Province of Manitoba | Evacuation Recovery Assistance (gov.mb.ca)
If you have been impacted by the wildfire situation in Manitoba and require further assistance, dial 211 or toll-free 1-855-275-1197, or for text-based help, use the chat at Get Help Now | Manitoba (211.ca)
For ongoing updates and reports on wildfires, visit https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/.
Additional information for evacuees is available at Emergency Management Organization | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca)
