Canadian Armed Forces assist flooded First Nation community of Kashechewan

News release

May 8, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces, in support of Public Safety Canada and the Province of Ontario, has evacuated approximately 100 people from Kashechewan First Nation, Ontario.

Since April 26, 2018, Canadian Rangers have been assisting the community with voluntary evacuations. Given the risk of floodwaters overtaking the airport, the Province of Ontario requested additional support to evacuate members of the community on May 7. A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CC-130J Hercules aircraft and CH-146 Griffon helicopter were dispatched.

Quotes

“The men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces are dedicated members of communities across Canada. They take pride in reassuring fellow Canadians that we’ll be there when we’re needed most.”

—   Lieutenant-General Steve Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

Quick facts

  • Members of 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, many who currently reside in the affected community, have been assisting with voluntary evacuation efforts since April 26, 2018.

  • In response to an additional request for assistance, one Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J Hercules and one CH-146 Griffon helicopter, from 8 Wing Trenton were tasked to assist in the air evacuation of approximately 100 people from Kashechewan. The CAF transported evacuated individuals to Kapuskasing and other surrounding towns, as arranged by the Province of Ontario.

  • Public Safety Canada has the lead responsibility for emergency response in Canada. CAF personnel are in continuous liaison with Public Safety, as well as with provincial authorities and our other federal partners.

  • While on Operation LENTUS, the CH-146 Griffon helicopter from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron rescued two hunters stranded by rising water levels on Akimiski Island, Nunavut and take them to safety, on 7 May 2018.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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