Toronto, ON – A province-wide state of emergency exists in Alberta as fires continue to burn out of control in Fort McMurray. In excess of 88,000 residents have been evacuated from that city after 1600 homes were destroyed and more than 10,000 hectares consumed.
“We have 300 IAM Local Lodge 99 members living in that community and an additional 300 members commute to the region daily,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of our members and the entire community of Fort McMurray.” Most of the members are employed by Finning Canada involved in the overhaul and repair of heavy equipment used in the nearby oil sands development.
“Northern Alberta and the oil sands community of Fort MacMurray have seen significant job losses over the past year or so, and this disaster could not have come at a worst time,” said Pickthall.
“As this event unfolds, we watch and hope that this disaster is soon at an end and the city and our members can soon return to their lives and some extent of normalcy.”
