Alberta asks federal government to pay Jasper wildfire costs [Video]

Provincial ministers testified before the House of Commons on Monday, asking the federal government to pay for the cost of the Jasper wildfire.

The province is arguing the fire originated in Jasper National Park and spread to the town.

Deputy Premier Mike Ellis says there was a lack of communication between the unified command, made up of Parks Canada, the municipality of Jasper, and the provincial government.

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Ellis said the province took it upon themselves to hold town halls and evacuation forums, adding that evacuating tourists and Jasperites from a town surrounded by federal jurisdiction created a unique challenge.

“The park superintendent has oversight for all emergency management decisions for both the park and municipality,” Ellis said. “This places the province in a position where we can certainly influence, but not decide, yet the province …