The Alberta government has promised to come through with $1 billion in emergency recovery and reconstruction funding for those in southern Alberta who were affected by the massive flood waters that swept through the area last week.

“Yesterday, we promised that our government would take steps to help the more than 100,000 displaced Albertans that were affected by this flood,” said Premier Alison Redford. “Today we’re taking action.”

The province will provide people who are still displaced with pre-loaded debit cards that will help with their immediate housing and basic needs.

They say that those who qualify will receive $1,250 per adult and $500 per child and the province expects to have the cards in place by mid-week.

“For those Albertans affected by the floods, let me assure you that we will do everything in our power to support recovery and reconstruction,” said Premier Redford. “We will rebuild together and our communities will be stronger than ever before.”

The $1 billion emergency recovery and reconstruction funding has been allocated from Alberta’s Contingency Fund and will provide:

  • Direct funding support for residents who have been evacuated (eligibility to be determined
  • Support for relief centres, including food, clothes and supplies
  • Resources to start rebuilding bridges, waterways, and other critical infrastructure.

The province says further details will be released in the coming days.

ConocoPhillips is also making a significant contribution to relief efforts and has committed $1 million US.

The company will give half of the money to the Red Cross and the other half will go to non-profit organizations that are supporting relief and recovery efforts.

"So many people in southern Alberta have been impacted by this disaster, and we want to support the outstanding work that emergency responders and organizations like the Red Cross have been doing, and will be doing over the coming days and weeks,” said Ken Lueers, president of ConocoPhillips Canada. “Our thoughts are with all of those who are dealing with the impact of this flood, and our sincere thanks to the volunteers who have been working to help their neighbours. Canadians are resilient, and together we’ll work to recover from this unprecedented natural disaster.”

ConocoPhillips says it will also match donations from its employees in Canada and the US.