Edgar Spence meticulously keeps a collection of receipts detailing meal expenses incurred by his family since they were displaced from their home community in northern Manitoba due to wildfires. Following their relocation to Winnipeg, Spence has stayed at three different hotels, where he has had to cover food costs most of the time, except for occasional meals provided by the accommodations.
Approximately 21,000 individuals displaced by wildfires in Manitoba have registered with the Canadian Red Cross. While the Red Cross-arranged accommodations for evacuees include meals, some evacuees in Winnipeg are staying in campgrounds or private lodgings due to hotel capacity constraints, as reported by Pimicikamak officials.
Chief David Monias expressed concerns about the delayed support from the Red Cross for those not in designated hotels, leaving Pimicikamak to bear the costs temporarily. Ryan Castel, the incident commander, highlighted the financial struggles faced by evacuees, with some resorting to skipping meals due to financial constraints.
To address the food shortage, Pimicikamak has engaged a catering company to provide meals for around 800 individuals, including Spence’s family. Despite these efforts, logistical challenges and financial constraints remain significant hurdles for Pimicikamak in ensuring all evacuees receive meals.
Moreover, the delay in receiving promised financial aid from the province further exacerbates the situation. Manitoba announced a per diem for evacuees, but some individuals are still awaiting the assistance. Christine Stevens from the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization assured that evacuees are receiving adequate meals through hotel arrangements.
Pimicikamak officials are actively discussing the safe return of evacuees but have not yet set an official return date. Castel emphasized the urgency of bringing the community members back home promptly to alleviate their suffering and loneliness.
For the latest wildfire updates and assistance information, evacuees are encouraged to register with the Red Cross to access essential services. Pimicikamak continues to face challenges in supporting evacuees with meals and accommodations, underscoring the critical need for additional funding to address the ongoing crisis.
