‘They want a plan,’ MP Rowe says after meeting with Newfoundland wildfire victims

By Sean Ridgeley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Telegram

Terra Nova-The Peninsulas MP Jonathan Rowe says updates are needed to the federal disaster relief policy in order for wildfire-affected regions like Conception Bay North (CBN) to move forward with a plan.

His comments come after a visit to the area on Jan. 22 that was dedicated to listening to the needs of residents, approximately 40 of whom were in attendance.

“Their consensus is clear,” he said in an email to The Telegram.

“They want a plan. They want the provincial and federal governments to determine what that plan will be, what will be covered and what will not be covered, and how they can proceed and navigate through the supports offered.

“The political challenge is that the federal government had a new disaster relief policy that was released just before the fires, in April 2025, while the previous Liberal government let their policy expire in 2024. Therefore, updates will need to be completed.”

Among the concerns raised by residents — none for the first time — were restoration of the Western Bay post office, increased crime, lack of cell coverage, support and funding navigation confusion, volunteer firefighter compensation for efforts and lost wages, and a lack of civic address signage, which has caused issues with ambulance services.

CBN Disaster Recovery Committee (DRC) representative Stella Johnson also highlighted the importance of cell coverage during emergencies like the Kingston fire; residents also told Rowe on Jan. 22 that a lack of cell coverage in the area now means challenges for contractors and those living in temporary housing, such as campers, as well as an inability to report crime.

Rowe says he intends “to work towards addressing as many (concerns) as possible through federal, provincial, and charitable channels.”

DRC member Tina Bursey, representing Kingston, was impressed with Rowe’s appearance and characterized it as a “good discussion.”

“He listened to what the people had to say, and they told him their concerns, and he listened,” she said. “Whether he can do anything, I guess that’ll have to be when he goes back to Ottawa.”

Why did it take so long for Rowe to visit CBN?

Rowe faced criticism for not appearing in CBN until now; during his engagement with residents, he noted the size of his district and his duties in Ottawa as some of the reasons for the delay. He added that he was nearby in Victoria when the evacuation came down. He also visited the evacuation centre in Carbonear.

“He was there, and he rattled some cages to get some better situations for people who were there in Victoria at the Persalvic school,” said Bursey.

Bursey also pointed to Rowe’s lead on the wildfire file, Melvin Humby, who works out of the Clarenville constituency office, and has been very present and helpful, she says.

Red Cross service is improving

Although residents have complained about Red Cross service for months now, Bursey says it has improved.

A chief complaint previously heard from residents was the disarray the organization was in when residents were attempting to access supports, often having to repeat the trauma of losing their homes and leaving their community to different case managers who did not always have access to their file.

In December, director of program administration at Red Cross Tanya Mullally acknowledged this and said that improvements had recently been implemented.

Bursey said she’s seen a change since then, saying her parents — who lost their home — have noticed the difference.

Another major change is the recent addition of a second Red Cross office in Ochre Pit Cove, making it easier for some residents to access. The office is partially open now, and will be open five days a week starting in February.

The plan is to leave it open for a month, but the organization has committed to extending that if it proves necessary.

What’s next?

Ten residents in Conception Bay North have begun or completed home rebuilding, and more rebuilding is planned for the spring.

While that’s cause for joy, Bursey can’t help but temper it with sympathy for the majority of people who still in limbo.

“You do see people rebuilding, and you’re so happy for those people, but you do still see people people that, right now, cannot rebuild,” she said.

“They’re in a situation where they don’t know if they can rebuild financially, or if they just can’t stay there because their anxiety is too high, because they don’t know what’s going to happen next. Or they’re just elderly, senior people. So that’s very sad and hard.”

A meeting between the DRC and provincial government will take place on Jan. 26. Bursey is unsure of what it will come out of it, but says the priority right now is addressing housing, insurance struggles and community rebuilding.