OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced that the Government of Canada will match donations to the Canadian Red Cross' 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal in support of wildfires disaster relief and recovery efforts in British Columbia (B.C.).

The federal government will match eligible donations made by Canadians and corporations to the appeal. The donation matching period will be open until September 5, 2026, and is retroactive to when the appeal first opened on August 4, 2026. This means every $1 donated to this appeal will become $2.

While the wildfire situation in British Columbia has improved over the past few weeks, it remains challenging, with many people in southern B.C. still evacuated and displaced. Public Safety Canada acknowledges the hard work of firefighters, first responders and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to fight the wildfires and support communities. Donations will support ongoing relief, recovery, and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires.

Canadians wishing to make a financial donation to help those impacted by wildfires in British Columbia can do so online at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.

Quotes

"To everyone in British Columbia facing the impacts of this summer's devastating wildfires, know that Canadians stand with you. As families and communities continue the difficult work of recovery, the federal government is proud to match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross, doubling the impact of every contribution from across the country. This initiative will help ensure that those affected receive the support they need today, while helping communities rebuild and emerge stronger in the months ahead."

- The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada   

"The wildfires in British Columbia this summer have destroyed homes and impacted livelihoods, affecting individuals and families in many communities. The Canadian Red Cross thanks everyone who has donated or will be donating to the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal for their support, as well as the Government of Canada for these matching funds."

- Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO, Canadian Red Cross

Quick Facts

• The latest information on Canada's response to wildfires is available at Wildfires: Federal Response.

Related Products

• The Government of Canada provides an update regarding the 2026 wildfire season - August update

Associated Links

• Canadian Red Cross launches appeal to support communities impacted by wildfires in British Columbia
• Requests for federal assistance
• Wildfires - Get prepared

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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC)