Public safety, not costs, the top priority in fighting floods, Goodale says

Public safety, not figuring out who pays for what, is the top priority in the government's "all-of-Canada" approach to fighting massive floods, says federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.

Goodale provided an update today on the federal response to the emergency, including 250,000 more sandbags from the Canadian Armed Forces stockpile for Ontario and more military personnelfor Quebec.

Asked who will ultimately foot the bill, Goodale said that in some cases there are cost-sharing arrangements, and sometimes the military absorbs the costs. In the end, he said a fair and amicablesolution will be worked out.

"We have not in the last number of days had any focus at all upon the cost issues because the important thing right up front is public safety. Get the job done," Goodale said.

Ontario requested the supplies, buthas not asked forany military personnel.

About 1,650 Forces members (1,500 troops in the field and another 150 support staff)have been deployed to help local civilian authorities in southern Quebec.

Marine vessels, a dozen helicopters and a Hercules transport are also on standby if needed, he said.

• Frustration grows among flooding evacuees
• Montreal declares state of emergency
• Cross-border commuters told to stay home

The federal government is also keeping close watch on the situation in New Brunswick, the Gasp and along the North Shore of the St. Lawrence, where the wet weather system remains, and ondangerous water conditions in the B.C.Interior.

Some residents forced to flee their homes have expressed frustration that local officials did not prepare better forthe flooding and domore to mitigate the devastation. According to jurisdictional protocol, the federal government must wait for a formal request from a province to assist in an emergency.

Goodale said local and provincial officials are in the best position to determine when they require assistance, and that the situation was evolving rapidly on the ground. The federal government responded within 30 seconds to say "yes" once the request was made.

Goodale expects the topic of protocol will be on the agenda when he meets with his provincial and territorial counterparts in coming weeks.

Should the federal government have to wait for a provincial request to provide aid?

7 years ago

Duration 0:38

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says local teams can respond to situation quickly, policy will be reviewed after flood response

"That review is already underway, but it is important to recognize that jurisdictional authorities need to be respected," he said. "We will examine whether the present procedure and protocols [are] appropriate in all circumstances."

'All-of-Canada' approach

In his statement,Goodaleoutlined the role of various departments in dealing with the weather emergency:

• The Canada Border Services Agency has offered its training centre in Rigaud, Que., to house evacuees.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada is providing weather and water flow forecasting, and scientific expertise for the effective management of reservoirs.
• Natural Resources Canada offersgeomatic services and satellite imagery to better understand the scope of rising water levels.
• Transport Canada will provideair surveillanceand instructs ships using the Saint Lawrence Seaway to avoid activity that would cause more damage tothe shoreline.
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is working with telecommunications providers to ensure reliable services are maintained.
• Public Health Agency of Canada is working with the Red Cross to accumulate stockpiles of supplies to help people evacuated from homes.
• Global Affairs Canada is in contact with U.S. officials and agencies such as the International Joint Commission that have common interest in cross-border water flows.

"This is an all-of-Canada approach to maximize the support we can all offer together to other Canadians in distress, just as we did exactly one year ago when a beast of a wildfire was ravaging Fort McMurray in Alberta," Goodale said in a commentary released earlier today.

Conservative public safety critic Tony Clement said the government has responded appropriately with assistance for theemergency so far. But he expects the "bickering" over money will come later, and saidhe will watchclosely to see if the government comes through with adequate federal disaster relief funds.

"It will be interesting to see if the federal government makes that easy for the provinces and individuals, or tough," he said.

Feds say public safety - not cost - is top priority in responding to massive floods across Canada

7 years ago

Duration 8:00

Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety, discusses the governments latest relief efforts

NDP public safety criticMatthew Dubsaid the government responded quickly and adequately to requests for assistance, but he also expressed concern that financial and physical support could thin out after the cameras turn away. He said that in 2011military personnel werewithdrawn quicklyand the removal ofsandbags was left largely up to volunteers.

"We hope the help that is being offered is maintained," he said.

Federal buildings across the river from Ottawa in Gatineau, Que., are closed Monday and employees who commute across the bridges were told to stay home.

Red Cross appeal

The Canadian Red Cross has launched a Spring Floods Appeal donors can direct their dollars specifically at helping in Quebec, or can earmark their money wherever help is needed most across the country. Funds will help people once theyreturn hometo pay for necessities such as cleanup, rebuilding and furniture.

Donations can be made online atwww.redcross.ca or by phone at1-800-418-1111.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visitedTerrasse-Vaudreuil, Que., to observe flood damageand offer support to those working on the ground.

Trudeau alsomade what the Prime Minister's Officecalled a "spontaneous stop" to meet with affected peopleand thank the first responders, volunteersand neighbours.