Budget cuts claim Alberta's elite wildfire fighting unit

CALGARY – After learning the UCP government would be dismantling a unit of firefighters specially trained to fight wildfires, the NDP opposition says the loss is a "shameful cut." The Wildland Firefighter Rappel Program, also known as the Helitack-Rappel or RAP program, was established about 40 years ago and employs 65 personnel. Those firefighters are equipped to jump directly into remote areas of the province to fight fires. Rachel Notley, leader of Alberta's Official Opposition, says th