OTTAWA, May 12, 2014 – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, made the following statement today regarding the Province of Ontario's request to the Government of Canada to assist in the evacuation of the First Nations community of Kashechewan, Ontario, which declared a state of emergency due to the rising water levels along the Albany River.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Kashechewan, forced to leave their homes by these perilous flood waters. I want to thank the Canadian Armed Forces for their dedication and professionalism while evacuating the residents of Kashechewan. I also want to commend our provincial and municipal partners, as well as the Canadian Red Cross for the tremendous and tireless work being done in the face of this challenge.”
- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“Our Government's priority is the health and safety of all Canadians, that's why we are working closely with the First Nations and our provincial partners to ensure that the immediate health and safety needs of the evacuees are met. Officials from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development are either at, or en-route to all four host communities and will provide assistance during this challenging time.”
- The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who have been affected by the recent flooding in Kashechewan. As part of Canada’s efforts, Canadian Armed Forces assets have been deployed to the area to assist the provincial government in their evacuation efforts. Once again, our men and women in uniform prove that they are always ready to help ensure the safety and security of Canadians.”
- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence
Quick Facts:
- The Government Operations Centre leads the federal government’s response to the emergency situation in Kashechewan in close collaboration with Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management.
- In response to a request for assistance from the Province of Ontario, three Royal Canadian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft are tasked to assist in the air evacuation of approximately 1,500 people from Kashechewan.
- The Province of Ontario has arranged for all evacuated residents to be temporarily housed in Thunder Bay, Greenstone, Kapuskasing and Cornwall, Ontario.
- Eight members of 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (3CRPG), are also assisting with voluntary evacuation efforts.
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