Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad is offering what he can to new Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson regarding the current wildfire situation.

Rustad held the position as recently as Monday and believes parties have to work together during this crisis.

“We need to do everything we can to service those (affected) people,” he says, “I gave (Donaldson) some advice with regards to how to reach out, how to create an environment that can solve problems and make sure that we support people and so he told me he’s meeting with his Deputy this morning and getting some briefing so my hope is that he’ll be able to action those items.”

Rustad notes “you can’t have two cooks in the kitchen” and acknowledges different governments have different methods and philosophies. Regardless of party lines, he feels the affected people need accurate information and access to food and clothing, a responsibility for MLAs.

To ensure this, Rustad suggests an ambassador position be created.

“I’ve asked that he sets up somebody as sort of a ‘direct line’ so that the MLAs in the impacted area have the ability to build a connect-through, bring issues up, and get them resolved quickly.”

Rustad, accompanied by local MLA’s Shirley Bond, Mike Morris, and Liberal Leader Christy Clark, was at CNC Prince George visiting evacuees Wednesday morning.