The chairwoman of New North says she’s pleased with a recent decision by the provincial government.
Georgina Jolibois says two ministers recently talked to the group about firefighting bills in the north.
She says the ministers told them the government will waive approximately three hundred thousand dollars in firefighting costs that had been charged to six communities including La Loche:
“When the fire started in La Loche it was already within the town boundaries. Unfortunately we lost two homes. It was a huge fire and we needed the assistance and then there was another fire…a similar situation it started within and then spread outside the parameters of the town.”
Jolibois says she hopes this means northern communities will not be charged again if a fire starts within their borders and spreads to the bush.
She says the government’s decision to forgive the cost is a huge relief to everyone.