The Canadian Armed Forces are continuing to provide assistance to New Brunswick’s relief efforts in some of the hardest hit parts of the Acadian Peninsula, including the islands of Lamèque and Miscou, and will begin to draw-down the military presence in those areas where the Province has announced that remaining relief efforts are within provincial and municipal capabilities. The remaining military members will be gradually returned to home units as conditions improve in these remaining communities.
Quotes
“When large natural disasters strike, the Government of Canada works closely with the provinces and territories to assist Canadians during these difficult times. The Province of New Brunswick has acknowledged that while recovery operations continue, they have reached the point that emergency efforts can be managed with a reduced military presence, and a phased reduction in the overall number of troops. On behalf of Canadians across the country, I thank all the Canadian Armed Forces members for supporting their fellow citizens through a perilous time.”
— Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister
“I am very proud of the speed of response, professionalism and effort provided by Canadian Army and Joint Task Force Atlantic members who worked seamlessly alongside federal, provincial and community partners to bring relief to the hard-hit Acadian Peninsula. The effect achieved highlights that we are always ready to support the safety of Canadians in times of need.”
— Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic
Quick Facts
On January 27, the Province of New Brunswick first requested CAF assistance to conduct a reconnaissance to determine how the CAF could support relief efforts. The first troops arrived within 24 hours.
In a second request for assistance on January 29, the Province of New Brunswick requested Government of Canada assistance in the form of CAF personnel and assets to conduct a variety of tasks, including delivering emergency supplies, assisting in re-establishing existing road networks, and supporting door-to-door residential wellbeing checks in the northeast of the province.
More than 200 CAF members from 5 Canadian Division Support Base (Gagetown) including 4 Artillery Regiment General Support and 4 Engineering Support Regiment, and 37 Canadian Brigade Group (Moncton) deployed to support the Province of New Brunswick response efforts.
A CP-140 Aurora Maritime Patrol Aircraft based at 14 Wing Greenwood conducted an overflight to map and determine the extent of damage to infrastructure in the area. A CH-146 Griffon based at 403 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Gagetown was used primarily for air transport.
In total, the CAF conducted over 5,400 door-to-door checks, assisted the Province in distributing generators, fuel, firewood and water, and surveyed more than 1,100 km of roads.
