Update: Quebec Flooding Recovery
News Release
June 5, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario
Public Safety Canada
Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, met with Martin Coiteux, Minister of Public Security of Quebec, to discuss the progress of flood recovery efforts in Quebec.
As the urgency of the situation has subsided in Quebec, and remediation efforts are well within the scope of provincial and municipal authorities to provide, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel will be leaving the area.
At its peak, there were over 2,600 military personnel deployed across Quebec to provide assistance to flood mitigation and recovery efforts. The Government Operations Centre was fully activated to respond to this event and coordinate the support of many partners including: the CAF, Transport Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, Natural Resources Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Canadian Red Cross, as per the Federal Emergency Response Plan.
The Government of Canada works closely with provincial and municipal authorities affected by floods, and remains on alert ready to provide whatever assistance is needed.
Quotes
“I would like to thank Canadian Armed Forces members and Government personnel for their quick response and dedicated service to Canadians during this crisis. I would also like to thank all first responders, Red Cross personnel, volunteers and all Canadians who have come together to support and assist their neighbours and communities in combatting the effects of this flooding season.”
– The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“The level of commitment, professionalism and goodwill that our troops demonstrate when their country calls upon them is commendable. In times of crisis, the best parts of us shine through in how we support one another. On behalf of all Canadians, I want to say thank you to all of our soldiers, sailors, and air personnel who provided assistance to fellow Canadians impacted by the spring floods”
– The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
Quick Facts
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- On May 5, 2017, the Minister of Public Safety accepted a formal request for federal assistance from the Government of Quebec.
- The Government of Canada will pay all costs to support the CAF role in the emergency response.
- CAF support included: distributing and filling sandbags, transporting affected citizens, reinforcement of dikes and walls protecting critical infrastructure, and providing assistance to civilian partners, such as the Red Cross.
- Broader Government support included:
- Obtaining needed resources and materials, such as sandbags;
- Providing temporary accommodations at the Canadian Border Services Agency college in Rigaud;
- Conducting surveillance flights of affected area;
- Coordinating the capture and analysis of satellite imagery; and
- Forecasting water levels and analyzing data to provide weather and flood reports.
- The Government of Canada announced a $1 million contribution to the Canadian Red Cross to assist with flood efforts.
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Contacts
Scott BardsleyOffice of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-998-5681
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
Jordan Owens
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: Jordan.Owens@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353 Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
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