Learn English with the Prime Minister of Alberta, Rachel Notley, as she speaks about the devastating wildfire that has devastated the town of Jasper, Alberta, and the people who call it home. She also offers her support to those affected by the fire, and offers her gratitude to those on the front lines.
00:00:00.000In the last day or so, we have all seen on the news and social media the horrific pictures
00:00:04.880and videos coming out of Jasper. Homes and businesses have been lost to a wildfire that
00:00:10.580people are calling a wall of flames. There is no denying that this is the worst nightmare for any
00:00:16.140community. To the residents of Jasper and those displaced far from home looking at the images of
00:00:22.620your town on TV and online, the feelings of loss and fear and loneliness must be overwhelming.
00:00:33.140But you are not alone. All Albertans are with you. For many generations, the town of Jasper
00:00:40.480and the parks surrounding it have been a source of pride. With some of the most beautiful scenery,
00:00:51.480in the entire world. Our grandparents visited to experience the majesty of this place with
00:01:04.720its mountains and lakes and meadows. They took our parents who then took us to this special spot that they'd spent time in as children.
00:01:31.720And now we take our own kids and our own loved ones and visitors from around the world to feel that same feeling that you get.
00:01:38.720with your first glimpse of the mountains on the horizon. A feeling that even though you've just left home, you're coming home.
00:01:45.720And so although those of us who experience Jasper as visitors can't imagine what it feels like,
00:01:52.720what it feels like to be a Jasperite right now, we share this sense of joy to be a Jasperite right now.
00:01:59.720of loss with all of those who live in the town, who care for it, who care for it, and who have
00:02:06.720helped build it. Jasper, we will continue to stand by you. And as everyone wants to be a Jasperite right now,
00:02:13.720we share this sense of loss with all of those who live in the town, who care for it, and who have helped build it.
00:02:29.720Jasper, we will continue to stand by you. And as everyone works to get their feet back under them, and as we look forward to recovery.
00:02:41.720Right now the wildfire is still out of control, and crews are working in dangerous conditions to try and protect critical infrastructure in the town.
00:02:50.720So to the brave men and women currently on the ground in Jasper, I want to express my deep gratitude and the gratitude of all Albertans.
00:03:02.720Whether you are part of the initial efforts, or whether you were activated and drove in there last night or early this morning,
00:03:11.720there really are not enough words to express our thanks and our wishes for your safety and your success.
00:03:18.720Once again, you've put yourselves on the front lines in a show of true heroism. Thank you for your bravery and your commitment to keeping Albertan safe.
00:03:27.720Alberta stands ready to assist in every way that we can, and I have asked Minister LeBlanc to move to a unified command structure so that Alberta can better help.
00:03:37.720We hope to hear a positive response from Parks Canada on this, and in the meantime we will continue to provide any and all support that they request in any way that we can.
00:03:47.720I can tell you that Alberta wildfires supported the Parks Canada incident management team yesterday.
00:03:54.720They report that the situation on the ground overnight was extremely volatile.
00:03:58.720As we continue to battle the fire, our government will move to daily updates with Ministers Lowen and Ellis, as well as Alberta wildfire officials.
00:04:06.720And we will continue with our daily written updates as well. To the residents, families and business owners who call Jasper home, we will recover from this.
00:04:17.720To the men and women on the front line, and at all operational levels, thank you for your courage and commitment.
00:04:22.720And to those in Alberta and around the world who have experienced the magic of Jasper, the magic is not lost and it never will be.
00:04:35.720Alberta's government will provide the support needed to families and community to recover and to rebuild stronger than ever,
00:04:42.720so that future generations can continue to experience this one-of-a-kind community and to feel the magic of being able to come home.