Backgrounder

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Backgrounder: Hurricane Igor

September 24, 2010
Trouty, Newfoundland and Labrador

As a result of Hurricane Igor, the Central, Eastern and Avalon areas of the Newfoundland have experienced the worst damage in history. Over 80 communities in two of the province's major peninsulas – the Bonavista and Burin – are isolated and are running low of essential supplies with access to emergency services severely hampered by damage to roads and bridges.

Given the situation, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador has requested federal assistance to support current provincial emergency response efforts to deal with the aftermath of the hurricane.

Following rapid deliberation, the Government of Canada determined that the assets and skills of the Canadian Forces are best suited for the task. In keeping with Section 273.6(1) of the National Defence Act, Canadian Forces personnel will be deployed immediately to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador to help address flooding and wind damage. More specifically they will help local authorities:

• deliver critical supplies such as food, water, medical supplies and fuel;
• repair bridges and roads as needed;
• provide medical evacuations as needed;
• lift power line poles;
• transport power crews and equipment to effect repairs of the power grid in isolated communities; transport engineering analysis teams as required; and,
• deliver generators and fuel to main communication nodes.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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