Post-Fiona recovery: Canadian Armed Forces spearheads efforts to help Atlantic Canada

The Canadian military is spearheading federal efforts to support post-Fiona recovery efforts across Atlantic Canada.

Here is a look at what Ottawa is doing to help those affected by the hurricane.

Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian military is deploying troops and equipment to the region after the federal government approved requests for assistance from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador over the weekend.

Approximately 50 Armed Forces members are currently operating out of Victoria Park Armouries in Sydney, N.S. Their primary mission will be to restore transportation links where needed and support line crews in removing trees and debris.

About 100 military members are expected to provide similar assistance after arriving in P.E.I. from Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick.

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Twenty-five service members have also started working in Stephenville, N.L., where they will assess damage and support local authorities in ensuring the safety and welfare of residents.

HMCS Margaret Brooke, one of the navy’s new Arctic patrol ships, was set to return to Halifax following a two-month deployment to the Far North. But it is now en route to the southern coast of Newfoundland to perform wellness checks in four communities.

The government says the military also has Canadian Rangers on standby on the Magdalen Islands in case Quebec asks for support, and that it is prepared to provide aerial imagery and additional troops if requested by provinces.

Matching Fund

The federal government is matching donations made to the Canadian Red Cross in support of the Hurricane Fiona appeal for the next 30 days.

Canadians wishing to make a donation can do so online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by texting FIONA to 20222 to make a $10 donation.