ANNIE GALLANT, Observer Reporter
While in Quesnel, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth and Parlimentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness Jennifer Rice meant with Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce members to discuss the impact this summer’s wildfires are having on agriculture, small business and tourism.
Small business is described as companies or operations with a net income of less than $250,000 per year with 50 or less employees.
The provincial government gave $100 million to the Red Cross to be distributed to those affected by the wildfires including small business.
The initial payment of $1,500 to small businesses has already begun flowing to these operations and phase two targets particular businesses and sectors hard hit by the recent wildfires.
“People have to remember this is just the beginning of our fire season with considerable time to go,” Farnsworth said.
“We can’t know the full extent of the situation at this time.”
He added he fully expects to extend the state of emergency in the province as fires are still being fought at this very moment.
“Immediate aid is being distributed and the mid to long-term recovery is underway.”
