Smith cancels Hat visit due to fires

By Collin Gallant on July 26, 2024.

The worsening wildfire situation that forced the evacuation of Jasper caused Premier Danielle Smith to cancel a number of appearances Thursday at the Medicine Hat Stampede.

The Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA was scheduled to be the honorary parade marshal in Thursday morning’s Medicine Hat Stampede parade, give an address to the Stampede president’s lunch on the grounds, and later attend the first night of rodeo action at the grandstand.

Holding back tears, Smith led a press briefing at about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.

“We’ve all see on the news and social media the horrific images coming out of Jasper,” she said. “This is the worst nightmare for Jasper … but you are not alone, all Albertans are with you.

“We will continue to stand by you.”

Stampede and other local officials said that given the circumstances, Smith’s absence is unavoidable.

“It’s can’t be helped and is unfortunate, however it’s completely understandable,” said Stampede board president Byron Cavan, who along with his wife took Smith’s place in the marshal’s carriage at the head of the Thursday’s parade in the city centre.

“With all that’s going on, our thoughts are with those affected,” he said.

Provincial New Democrat leader Naheed Nenshi led a large contingent of NDP MLAs marching in the Stampede parade after releasing a statement about the gravity of the situation and thanking those responding to immediate danger.

“We’re in Medicine Hat for what should be a great community celebration – we are pretty far from our neighbours from Jasper – but I know the hearts of everyone here and the hearts of everyone in the province are with the people of Jasper,” he said in a released video statement.

“What’s happened overnight has chilled us all to the bone,” he said, while outlining his “gratitude” for first responders, public servants and the government’s response.

“Everyone is working hard to keep everybody safe, to get back home, to look at damage and rebuild as soon and possible, and we will.”

Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright stood in for Smith at the traditional parade marshal’s address at the Cypress Centre, providing comments in support of the local agriculture community as well as those evacuated in mountain areas.

“She fully intended on being here, and, was in fact, on her way here before she had to turn around,” Wright told the crowd of dignitaries.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking … We’ll see significant impact to that area, and plans are already in motion for post-fire recovery.”

Smith toured the Taber area Wednesday, meeting with local councils and visiting infrastructure projects, apparently en route to Medicine Hat.

At 7:30 a.m., her staff informed the media the visit was cancelled.

“Given the escalating wildfire situations in our province, notably in Jasper, I will be cancelling my scheduled appearances in Medicine Hat today in order to dedicate my full attention to working with our teams to handle the ongoing and evolving wildfires burning in the province,” Smith said in a statement provided to the News.

Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark told the News her office wasn’t aware of any substantial work or meetings planned between the premier or local officials this week, and general discussions or networking could wait until after the provincial emergency subsided.

“I assumed she’d be quite busy when she’s here, but obviously we understand the Jasper situation takes precedence,” Clark said.

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