‘We pull together’: Federal government to pick up costs to deploy military to flood zones
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this morning that the federal government will assume the costs of deploying troops and supplying sandbags to battle the flood zones in Quebec and Ontario.
“When Canadians are facing natural disasters or serious issues, we pull together. That’s who we are,” he said. “Quebec and Ontario asked for military support and we’re happy to give it and of course the federal government will assume all costs related to support for Quebec and Ontario in these floods.”
About 1,650 Canadian Armed Forces members (1,500 troops in the field and another 150 support staff) have been deployed to help local civilian authorities in southern Quebec, which has been devastated by flooding in the past week.
Marine vessels, a dozen helicopters and a Hercules transport are also on standby if needed.
The CAF also provided 250,000 sandbags to Ontario.
Rainfall easing up
Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting scattered showers to continue across southeastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec, but does not expect significant accumulations beyond a few millimetres.
Federal buildings in Gatineau, Que., are closed for a second day. This afternoon, Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon will visit Gatineau to see firsthand the impact of the flooding on the region and the work of volunteers, first responders and CAF members.
Federal government will pay for army costs in Quebec, Ontario: Trudeau0:20
Some residents forced to flee their homes have expressed frustration that local officials did not do more to mitigate the devastation by calling in the military earlier. According to jurisdictional protocol, the federal government must wait for a formal request from a province to assist in an emergency.
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said Monday the federal government responded within 30 seconds to say “yes” once the request came from Quebec. Today, he said the cost of deploying troops has yet to be calculated.
“In terms of the overall disaster and loss here, when you calculate the formula that’s involved with the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangement (DFAA), it’s too early to tell the cost at this stage,” he said.
More money needed for disaster relief
Goodale said the Armed Forces is entitled to make a claim for the costs, but it typically does not.
While money is set aside each year to respond to emergencies and natural disasters, Goodale noted the parliamentary budget officer has recommended stashing away even more to prepare for an increase in the number of extreme weather events driven by climate change.
In a report last year, Jean-Denis Frechette said the DFAA should expect to pay $229 million a year to deal with damage from storms, with floods adding another $673 million a year.
More emergency funds need to be set aside to deal with climate change, Goodale says0:43
Article source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-flooding-military-caf-1.4106070?cmp=rss