Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces to Nova Scotia to “assist with assessment and response efforts” after Hurricane Fiona hit the Atlantic coast at the request of provincial officials.
• Read more: Hurricane Fiona status report: Legault proposes an aid plan
• Read more: Hurricane Fiona: Nearly 400,000 customers without power in Eastern Canada
• Read more: Cyclone Fiona: Two women swept away by waves
“In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona, Nova Scotia’s request for federal assistance has been approved. We’ll get sorted [Forces armées canadiennes] Assist in assessment and response efforts. We will be there for the people every step of the way,” the Prime Minister tweeted on Saturday evening.
Later that day, he also called a meeting of the Incident Response Team to decide how to help the cyclone-hit provinces.
It has been agreed that the federal government will match the amount donated by Canadians and businesses to the Red Cross over the next 30 days.
National Defense Minister Anita Anand said all three branches of the Canadian Armed Forces are ready to respond: ships, aircraft and personnel from the Quick Response Unit in Cocktown.
“We are mobilizing Canadian Armed Forces personnel and equipment to assist in Nova Scotia, and we stand ready to assist other affected provinces if needed,” the minister said.
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