Statement by Official Opposition Leader, Thomas Mulcair, on the first anniversary of the devastating Slave Lake fire

One year after the terrible fire that ravaged the Town of Slave Lake in northern Alberta my colleagues in the New Democratic Party join me in saluting the courage and resilience of the town’s inhabitants.

On May 15, 2011, nearly 7,000 people were forced from their homes by a devastating forest fire. The fire destroyed 40 percent of the town, burned 400 buildings and caused damages estimated at over $700 million. A helicopter pilot, Jean-Luc Deba, lost his life while battling the flames.

Residents valiantly rolled up their sleeves to rebuild their community. Today, Slave Lake is slowly returning to normal, but there is still much to be done.

The thoughts of all Canadians are with them today.