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Manitoba premier says more financial support available for wildfire evacuees – Winnipeg Free Press

Posted on by Neons

The Manitoba government says emergency financial support is available to residents of Cranberry Portage and surrounding communities who have been forced to evacuate their homes by nearby wildfires.

Assistance is available to those who have been in mandatory evacuation due to wildfires for seven or more days.

Eligible adults receive $200 and eligible children receive $100.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinnew speaks to evacuees from Cranberry Portage, Pass, as wildfires continue to burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinnew speaks to evacuees from Cranberry Portage, Pass, as wildfires continue to burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

Prime Minister Wab Kinew said the lump sum would “help ensure families don't have to worry about getting food or paying bills during these difficult times”.

When an evacuation lasts more than three days, it is in addition to the support provided by Emergency Social Services, including covering direct accommodation costs and helping with food and transport costs.

The province says the application will be made available to individuals and families who are registered with an ESS drop-in center and meet the eligibility criteria.

About 675 people in and around Cranberry Portage, who were evacuated last weekend, were sent home on Sunday.