Atlantic Canadians offering financial relief to victims of Alberta wildfires

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This article was published 06/05/2016 (3477 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HALIFAX – Fundraising continues across Atlantic Canada to help with the relief effort for those affected by the wildfires in northern Alberta.

The Prince Edward Island government announced Friday it had suspended collection of student loan payments from Islanders who moved out West to work in Fort McMurray.

Advanced Learning Minister Richard Brown said the province wants to ease the financial burden for Island graduates who were forced to leave the town when a wall of smoke and flame descended on the area earlier this week. Brown issued a statement Friday saying the suspension is for an indefinite period.

“While the current situation is devastating, the aftermath can be much more challenging to comprehend and move forward from,” Brown said. “We are here for Fort McMurray … Prince Edward Islanders will continue to keep Fort McMurray in their thoughts and prayers.”

Meanwhile, Atlantic Canada’s airports have donated $35,000 through the Canadian Red Cross. The donation was organized by the Atlantic Canada Airports Association, which represents 12 of the region’s airports.

As well, more fundraising concerts are coming together.

Musicians from across P.E.I. are organizing a benefit concert called FortNight, which is scheduled for May 13th in Charlottetown.

In Cape Breton, local musicians have organized a fundraising concert for May 15 at Centre 200 in Sydney.