Firefighters and police welcome people into Fort McMurray Alta, on June 1, 2016.JASON FRANSON/The Canadian Press
Premier Rachel Notley and her government paid tribute Monday to those who came to Alberta's aid during the spring's devastating Fort McMurray wildfire.
Notley said their actions reflected the resilience of all 88,000 people who were forced to flee the fires in May.
"While the disaster changed the lives of tens of thousands of people, it did not destroy their strength, their resilience or courage," Notley said at a ceremony at the legislature.
The government honoured representatives of nine first-responder agencies.
Opposition Wildrose Leader Brian Jean, whose constituency includes Fort McMurray, choked up as he thanked those who stepped up to help.
"These are the people that lined the highways – provided gas, water, food – and drove towards the flames to help our fellow Albertans," he said.
The blaze destroyed more than 2,400 homes and buildings, and torched more than 5,000 square kilometres.
One of the award recipients, Wood Buffalo fire Chief Darby Allen, said people are still grappling with the memories and reminders of the devastation.
"We're having a tough time up there," said Allen. "People are struggling mentally with the fire, what happened to them.
"It's hard to put your finger on it. It's just different. People ask me all the time, 'What's it like now?' It just feels different."
The government also planned to introduce legislation Monday to support wildfire prevention, including strengthening penalties for people who cause wildfires.
Fallout from the fire continues to be felt across the province. It has added an estimated $500-million to this year's budget deficit, which brings the revised red ink total to $10.9-billion.