Trudeau Announces He Will Visit Fort McMurray On Friday

Trudeau announced the planned visit in the House of Commons today as he faced questions about his government's promises to help the community rebuild.

The prime minister took the opportunity to thank the countless firefighters who have been battling the massive wildfire that forced more than 80,000 residents to flee the northern Alberta city.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley following meetings at
a Liberal Party cabinet retreat in Kananaskis, Alta., Sunday, April 24, 2016. (Photo: Jeff McIntosh/CP)

Trudeau also thanked Canadians for generously donating millions of dollars to the Canadian Red Cross and other organizations providing relief to those impacted by the blaze.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley toured the city on Monday and also praised firefighters for saving a majority of homes and buildings in the community.

But she said it's not safe yet for people to return to homes still standing because large sections of town don't have power, gas or water.

Those fighting the Fort McMurray fires are heroes. The evacuees' courage is an inspiration. I will be visiting the area on Friday. #ymmfire

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 10, 2016