JASPER, ALTA. – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named Terry Duguid, the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, as the new ministerial lead for the town of Jasper, Alta., as it continues to rebuild from a devastating wildfire last summer.
The Winnipeg MP, who is also the minister of sport, is taking over from former employment minister Randy Boissonnault, who resigned from cabinet last fall following controversy over shifting claims about his Indigenous heritage.
The federal government says Duguid is to serve as the intermediary between all three levels of government as Jasper’s recovery continues.
The fire destroyed one-third of the tourist town, including more than 350 homes, hotels, apartments and businesses.
Duguid enters the role one week after Parks Canada announced a plan to supply over 300 units of interim housing for displaced residents by the end of February.
He’s scheduled to make an announcement about ongoing recovery efforts in town later this week.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 4, 2025.
