Jasper Wildfires & Evacuation

We are deeply saddened by the devastating wildfires in Jasper that have greatly affected our members and their families.

While we are grateful that our members, their staff, and guests were able to evacuate safely, our hearts go out to all those impacted by this tragedy. The Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association is committed to supporting Jasper hotels in every way possible as they navigate these difficult times and begin the arduous process of rebuilding and recovering from this loss.

 

What To Do as an Employer:

• If you haven’t already, contact your insurer to initiate a claim – know where your policy is and have it ready. If you do not know off hand who your insurer is, please contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
• Ensure your employees have registered with the Alberta government so they have access to available supports, including evacuation payments.
• If you have staff in need of accommodation, help them get to to designated evacuation centers:
  • Grande Prairie – Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Avenue
  • Calgary – Shouldice Arena, 1515 Home Road NW
  • Edmonton – Kennedale Site Building #2, 12814 58 Street
• Issue Records of Employment (ROEs) to your employees so that they can access Employment Insurance and other supports as soon as possible. Use the description “Natural Disaster”.
• Provide Employment Insurance information for your employees to help them start a claim.
• Provide information to your employees about Emergency Financial Assistance announced today by the Government of Alberta.
• Temporary Foreign Workers should be directed to apply for any government assistance available, including evacuation payments.
• Temporary Public Policy for foreign nationals in Canada affected by wildfires.

 

If you or your employees encounter red tape or difficulties in accessing these services, contact the AHLA at lchandler@ahla.ca. If we have not connected with you, please call or email at your earliest opportunity. This helps us keep the government informed about the impacts of this disaster on our members.

 

Evacuation Supports:

The Government of Alberta has expedited evacuation payments for Jasper. Please ensure you, your staff (including TFWs), and families sign up here to receive support: https://evacuationpayment.alberta.ca/eligibility/

There is also an established process for evacuees, including TFWs, who are unable to apply for evacuation payments online due to lack of valid Alberta ID, or they have no access to a computer. This process also applies to evacuees who successfully apply online but their valid Alberta ID address is not within an evacuation zone.

• Please direct evacuees to the webpage: Active emergency updates | Alberta.ca and the ‘Evacuation and financial supports’ tab and then “Evacuation payments – how to apply”.
• They may go in-person to an Alberta Supports Centre listed on the above pages and if unable to attend in-person to phone the Alberta Supports Contact Centre for support.
• Evacuees have 60 days from the first day of evacuation to apply for the payment.

Additionally, people in Canada affected by wildfires who are employer-specific work permit holders will have the ability to transition to an open work permit at no cost.

 

Canadian Red Cross Support:

The Canadian Red Cross will begin distributing funds to eligible households evacuated from their primary residence in Jasper. To access this one-time assistance of $750 per household, people must be registered with the Red Cross.

Please ensure you and your staff have registered with the Red Cross, you can do so online at https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/alberta-wildfires-2024 or by calling 1-800-863-6582 between 8 am and 8 pm MT.

This financial assistance is made possible thanks to the generosity of people who have contributed to the Canadian Red Cross 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal.

 

Helping Guests & Evacuees:

• Extend your very best rates to evacuees and those affected by wildfires.
• Work with guests who may be without identification due a sudden evacuation.
• Relax ‘no pets’ policies and work with Agricultural societies, pet kennels, and/or vet clinics for evacuees travelling with animals.
• Remember that guests and staff alike may feel the emotional strain of the current situation.
• Stay in touch with your fellow hoteliers to ensure you can help travelers find accommodation in the event you are full.

 

Mental health supports are available for you and your team:

• Mental Health Help Line (24/7): 1-877-303-2642
• Crisis Text Line: Text “CONNECT” to 741741
• Alberta 211: 211 Alberta is a 24/7 crisis line and single point of contact for digital supports and services near you – no matter where you are in the province. Call or text ‘INFO’ to 211 or visit ab.211.ca.
• Health Link: 811
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, www.KidsHelpPhone.ca

 

Stay Safe.