Canadian Armed Forces deploys to assist civilian authorities with the management of flooded areas in Quebec

From: National Defence

News Release

May 6, 2017– Montreal– Joint Task Force (East)

More than 400 members of 2 Canadian Division from Base Valcartier were deployed to support civilian authorities with the Government of Quebec’s emergency response.

At 10:30 this morning, these members left Valcartier and drove to Shawinigan, Rigaud, Laval and Gatineau. They are divided into four companies of over 100 individuals. They will be supported by 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, RCAF aircraft and Naval Reserve components.

During the evening of May 5, lead elements of the Immediate Reaction Unit (IRU) travelled to Montreal to more closely coordinate efforts with civilian partners, and to coordinate intergovernmental efforts. The members from Valcartier and elements of the 2 Canadian Division Headquarters are currently divided among the four regional coordination centres, that is, Gatineau, Rigaud, Laval and Shawinigan. They are identifying needs in order to support the federal assistance plan which will be implemented.

Quotes

“In times of crisis, the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces stand ready to support our federal and provincial partners. Our troops are responding quickly and professionally, and are already beginning to deliver critical support to Canadians affected by the flooding.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

“At this difficult time for many of our fellow citizens, we are proud to support the Government of Quebec’s civilian authorities and to contribute to the management of this extraordinary situation. The role of Canadian military personnel in situations such as these is to provide support, and it is a priority. Our members are ready and will do what is required in keeping with the priorities established in conjunction with the other federal departments, agencies and entities in Quebec to provide assistance and put our training and skills to good use.”

- Brigadier-General Hercule Gosselin, Commander of Joint Task Force East

Quick Facts

  • The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are agile, mobile and ready to assist Canadians in Canada when natural disasters and humanitarian assistance situations overwhelm the capacity of civilian organizations to respond.

  • Regular and Reserve Force soldiers from the three elements who have the appropriate equipment were mobilized.

  • During the crisis response, members will monitor groups of individuals with special needs or in conditions which could leave them vulnerable in order to adapt their assistance to needs.

  • Public Safety Canada is responsible for coordinating the Government of Canada’s emergency response. Canadian Armed Forces members maintain close liaison with Public Safety, other federal partners, and the Government of Quebec, to coordinate response efforts.

  • The CAF activities in support of the Government of Quebec’s emergency response are carried out as part of Operation LENTUS, the CAF’s contingency plan, which outlines the joint response to provide support for humanitarian assistance and disaster response to provincial and territorial authorities in the case of a major natural disaster.

Associated Links

Contacts

Public Affairs Office, 2nd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force (East) Headquarters
Lt(N) Delphine Bonnardot
Telephone: 514-794-9863
Email: delphine.bonnardot@forces.gc.ca

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