The federal government of Canada is working with partners from all levels of government and across multiple departments and agencies to provide support to Atlantic Canada after the destructive passage of Hurricane Fiona.
Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair approved requests for federal assistance from the governments of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Working with the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard, and Transport Canada, the federal government will offer the affected provinces: equipment and personnel to assist with tree and debris removal; crews to help in restoring roads and bridges; aerial imagery of the devasted areas; incident management teams; air assets such as helicopters to support response efforts; and support to search and rescue efforts.
"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,” said Blair in a statement. “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."
In addition to the support above, the federal government has also established a donation-matching program with the Canadian Red Cross, wherein the government will match donations made by Canadians and corporations for the next 30 days beginning September 25. The funds will go to the Canadian Red Cross’s “Hurricane Fiona in Canada Appeal”, supporting the organization’s emergency services for those affected by Fiona.
During his tour of the affected communities, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that Ottawa would match the $10 million Canadians have donated to the Canadian Red Cross. And while new funding was not announced, the leader did confirm that the government would extend the GST filing deadline for affected companies.
