Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is creating a new committee to coordinate federal efforts to help the communities affected by the BC wildfires.

According to the federal government, the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on the 2018 BC Wildfires will meet as required to consider and coordinate federal contributions and to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The new Committee will complement the on-the-ground efforts coordinated by the Government Operations Centre, and will work in partnership with Indigenous leaders to make sure affected Indigenous communities have the support they need, states a release.

“With this new committee, we will work to address the urgent and long-term impacts of the wildfires, and will collaborate closely with Premier Horgan and local authorities to support recovery and rebuilding efforts,” said Trudeau in a statement. “I would especially like to thank first responders and all of those who are working hard and putting their lives at risk to help people affected by the wildfires.”

Trudeau met with John Horgan on Tuesday, to discuss the “urgent and long-term impacts of the BC wildfires and how the federal government can support people on the ground and help with recovery & rebuilding efforts.”

There are currently 463 wildfires burning in BC, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

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