The Canadian Red Cross in collaboration with the Government of Manitoba are providing up to $2000 for small businesses to get assistance for emergency costs stemming from last  year’s wildfires.  President of the Canadian Red Cross from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut, Luke Mullinder discusses the intention of the program.

 

 “The program is intended to assist with the unexpected costs of an evacuation that aren’t covered by insurance or the disaster financial assistance programs that are available to small businesses. It’s to help with cleanup costs, things like deductibles, storage, movement of inventory and we talk with a number of stakeholders when we develop programs like this. Obviously the Red Cross has a ton of experience in recovery programs across the country but they’re not successful unless they’re community driven.”

 

Applications will be accepted until the end of June; but small businesses are asked to sign up as soon as possible. All the information and forms are available at

www.redcross.ca/2025manitobawildfires/smallbusiness

The program is also available for Saskatchewan residents; funded through a $15 million commitment from the Scott Moe Government. It offers the funds for businesses and not-for-profit organizations located in communities that were forced to evacuate for a week or more during the wildfires.

Applications can be found at

www.redcross.ca/2025SaskatchewanWildfires