OTTAWA,
ON, Oct. 1, 2022 /CNW/ - Hurricane Fiona has
caused significant damage across Atlantic
Canada and Eastern Quebec,
and the Government of Canada is
working with partners from all orders of government, and across
federal departments and agencies, to support recovery and clean-up
efforts.
In recognition of the significant and immediate challenges to
individuals, communities, and critical infrastructure, the
Honourable Bill Blair, President of the Queen's Privy Council for
Canada and Minister of Emergency
Preparedness has approved Requests for Federal
Assistance from the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Prince Edward Island, and the Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador. Support provided by Canadian Armed
Forces, Canadian Coast Guard, and Transport Canada includes, but is
not limited to:
Nova Scotia (Request
for Federal Assistance approved September
24, extension approved September
29)
- Equipment and personnel to assist with tree and debris
removal
- Equipment and personnel to restore transportation links, such
as roads and bridges
- Detailed aerial imagery and mapping of damage
- Incident management teams
- Accommodations support
Prince Edward Island
(Request for Federal Assistance approved September 25, extension approved September 29)
- Personnel to support the PEI Department of Transportation and
Infrastructure in the removal of vegetation and debris from
roadways to assist the restoration of the power grid
- Personnel to support roadway repair in order to allow
provincial employees to assist isolated communities
- Air assets, including helicopters, to support hurricane
response efforts
- Detailed aerial imagery and mapping of damage
Newfoundland and
Labrador (Request for
Federal Assistance approved September
25, amendment and extension approved September 29; additional Request for Federal
Assistance approved September
29)
- Resources to conduct physical impact assessments
- Personnel to provide immediate on-the-ground support to local
authorities to ensure the welfare, safety, and well-being of
affected residents
- Detailed aerial imagery and mapping of damage
- Support to search and rescue efforts
- Assistance with debris removal on the ground and in the
water
- Assistance with general cleanup efforts
The federal government, through the Government Operations
Centre, continues to work with provincial partners to coordinate
the federal response and ensure that the provinces have the
resources they need to support the people of Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec.
The federal government has also established a donation-matching
program with the Canadian Red Cross to support those impacted by
the storm and will match donations Canadians and corporations make
for the next 30 days from September
25.
Quotes
"Our thoughts are with all Canadians affected by Hurricane
Fiona, as well as with the first responders and volunteers who are
working tirelessly to help those in need. As a government, we are
united in our resolve to be there for the people and communities
that have been impacted and we will continue to work in close
collaboration with our provincial and municipal partners. Together,
we will get through this."
- The Honourable Bill Blair, President of the Queen's Privy
Council for Canada and Minister of
Emergency Preparedness
"As communities in Atlantic
Canada and Eastern Quebec
face the devastating impacts of Hurricane Fiona, our Canadian Armed
Forces are doing whatever it takes to help Canadians and support
provincial and local authorities. We have activated resources and
personnel to provide immediate support to local authorities,
helping re-establish electricity, remove debris, and conduct
wellness checks. Today, tomorrow, and every day, CAF members stand
ready to support Canadians in times of need."
- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
"Hurricane Fiona has had a devastating impact on many
communities across Atlantic Canada
and Eastern Quebec. We are working
in collaboration with our provincial and municipal partners to help
communities affected by this storm regain a sense of normality as
quickly as possible. As we rebuild, we are committed to adapting
and strengthening our infrastructure to make it more resilient to
these increasingly frequent extreme weather events."
- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental
Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
"Our thoughts are with all Canadians dealing with the aftermath
of Hurricane Fiona. The Canadian Coast Guard stands ready and
strategically positioned to assist with joint relief efforts,
including helicopter support, and to help Atlantic Canadian and
Eastern Quebec communities in
their time of need."
- The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and
the Canadian Coast Guard
"Our thoughts remain with all those affected by Hurricane
Fiona in Atlantic Canada and
Eastern Quebec. Transport
Canada took steps to protect the
safety and security of Canadians and the Canadian transportation
system, including deploying a Dash 8 surveillance aircraft to
assess damage in areas impacted by the storm. We continue to work
in cooperation with all other partners, and will never hesitate to
take any action required to help the region and those impacted
recover from this storm."
- The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport
Quick Facts
- The Government Operations Centre is responsible for
coordinating the Government of Canada's response to emergency events.
- In Canada, emergencies are
managed first at the municipal level and if they need assistance,
they request it from their province or territory. If the emergency
escalates further, provinces or territories can request assistance
from the federal government.
- A Request for Federal Assistance is initiated when an emergency
event overwhelms or threatens to overwhelm the resources of a
province or territory and additional federal resources are needed
to effectively support the impacted region.
- Should a province or territory make an official Request for
Federal Assistance, there is a well-established process in place
for managing the request, through the Government Operations Centre,
and includes provincial/territorial and interdepartmental
consultation and coordination.
- If provincial and territorial authorities require assistance,
they may ask the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for help. When the CAF
responds to natural disasters in Canada, it is known as Operation LENTUS.
- CAF assistance complements and enhances provincial and local
resources with unique capabilities, including military personnel
and equipment. The primary objective is to help provincial and
local authorities stabilize the situation and to reassure Canadian
residents in the affected areas.
- The number of CAF members deployed across the region will vary
based on tasks that are identified by the provinces.
- As the federal entity responsible for ships-source oil
pollution and maritime search and rescue, the Canadian Coast Guard
has strong incident management capabilities, Canada's largest marine fleet, and several
helicopters that can be of much assistance during such difficult
situations.
- Residents who have been impacted by Hurricane Fiona should
register with Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582 or
online at www.redcross.ca/hurricanefiona
- Canadians wishing to make a financial donation to help those
impacted by Hurricane Fiona can do so online at www.redcross.ca, by
calling 1-800-418-1111, by texting FIONA to 20222 to make a
$10 donation.
Related Products
- Government of Canada and
Canadian Red Cross establish donation-matching program to support
Canadians impacted by Hurricane Fiona
Associated Links
- Government of Canada Response to Hurricane Fiona
- Operation LENTUS
- Requests for Federal Assistance
- Government Operations Centre
SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada