Public members were needed for the Wood Buffalo Recovery Committee, and a total of 6 people could be chosen to serve on the committee and work with local government. A press release from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo explained that six residents would be selected from applications for the committee, and these residents will work closely with Fort McMurray Mayor Melissa Blake and the 3 council members on the committee. These councillors are Sheldon Germain, Keith McGrath, and Allan Vinni. There are a number of responsibilities that the committee must handle and certain oversight duties that they must perform. Recovery Team Leader candidate recommendations, Recovery Task Force progress updates on a weekly basis, and committee meetings are just a few of the things that members will need to participate in.

Public members who were interested in the open spots on the Wood Buffalo Recovery Committee had to submit an application by Monday, July 4, at 4:30 pm. The applications could be submitted in person or by email. The application included some sections which could be beneficial, like involvement in local organization and volunteer experience in the past. Another area covered was flexible availability. The public members chosen to sit on the committee will be named once the application process has been completed and the members have been chosen. Hopefully this is another step forward to a full recovery for Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, a step towards a brighter future for everyone so that the wildfire and evacuation can finally be put behind the community.