Telus pledges $2 million for British Columbia wildfires

TELUS has committed $2 million to wildfire relief efforts in British Columbia, including customer bill relief and funding for affected communities.

Evacuated TELUS and Koodo postpaid wireless customers will receive automatic 50 GB data top-ups. Evacuated households using TELUS internet, television, home phone and home security services will receive bill credits.

Technicians are working around the clock to maintain network infrastructure as wildfires affect parts of the province. Crews are using generators to keep cell sites running where commercial power is unavailable and repairing damaged infrastructure when conditions allow.

TELUS is also coordinating with government agencies and relief organisations to provide connectivity at evacuation and command centres, while deploying mobile connectivity where fixed infrastructure has been damaged.

Part of the funding is being directed to First Nations communities and local charities involved in relief work. TELUS and the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation are committing $100,000 to affected First Nations, including Okanagan Indian Band and Westbank First Nation, as well as charities such as Salvation Army British Columbia Division, Central Okanagan Food Bank and North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society.

Support on the ground also includes emergency kits with essential supplies, extra mobile phones, power bricks and charging cables for evacuation centres. TELUS is working with evacuated First Nations communities on connectivity needs and other support through those kits.

Customer relief

TELUS will continue to pause home services billing for customers facing extended evacuation or displacement. Evacuated customers are also being offered support with their services and re-entry plans through a dedicated assistance line.

The relief package extends beyond communications services. TELUS Health is making a community crisis support line available free of charge across Canada, 24 hours a day, for emotional support and resource referrals.

Victor Dodig, President and CEO, TELUS, outlined the company's response as wildfire damage spread across British Columbia.

"Our thoughts are with those affected by the devastating wildfires in British Columbia, and we want them to know that TELUS is here to help," said Victor Dodig, President and CEO, TELUS. "Our team has a long history of supporting communities in times of uncertainty and duress. As fire crews continue to battle the flames, TELUS is committed to doing what we can to help affected British Columbians through this challenging period - including supporting relief organizations, providing mental health and wellbeing services, delivering vital on-the-ground support and working around the clock to keep everyone connected."

Relief effort

The announcement comes as wildfires continue to disrupt communities in the Okanagan and other parts of British Columbia, putting pressure on evacuation centres, local charities and emergency services.

For telecoms operators, wildfire emergencies present both operational and public service challenges. Networks are used by first responders and residents seeking evacuation updates, while physical infrastructure can be exposed to fire damage, power loss and access restrictions.

TELUS says its teams are working to keep firefighters and other emergency personnel connected on the front lines, while also helping residents maintain access to information and contact with family members during evacuations.

Its direct community funding covers organisations providing food support and animal rescue services, alongside broader emergency aid. Named recipients include Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team Society, Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team Southwest BC Society, Clinton Food Bank Society, Mamas for Mamas and Nicola Valley and District Food Bank Society.

Long record

TELUS says it has invested more than $300 million in emergency response and community recovery globally over the past two decades, including more than $125 million for wildfire and flood relief across Canada in recent years.

That history provides context for the latest package, which combines network support, customer credits, direct donations and health support services in response to the fires affecting British Columbia.

TELUS is also inviting customers to contribute to relief work by donating through a text campaign or redeeming rewards points through the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation.

Technicians are restoring damaged infrastructure as soon as it is safe to do so.