The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable John Hogan, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, are expressing thanks to the Canadian Armed Forces for their support in helping residents of southwestern Newfoundland following last week’s record rainfall.
Thirty-four members of Joint Task Force Atlantic assigned to Newfoundland and Labrador completed their response on December 2, which included:
- Two Griffin CH146 helicopters
- 28 flying hours
- 70 persons transported
- 1,550 pounds of cargo moved.
While this phase of the emergency response with the Canadian Armed Forces has concluded, road repairs in the area are ongoing by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Motorists should drive cautiously, obey traffic control, watch for heavy equipment and crews, be prepared for lane reductions, and anticipate traffic delays.
Road updates on highway driving conditions are being provided on the NL 511 app and www.nl511.ca.
Quotes
“Residents of the southwest coast will never forget the selflessness, dedication, and the comfort Canadian Armed Forces members provided during a stressful and distressing time. I thank them for their immediate willingness to respond to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during this time of need, just as they have done in the past. The level of cooperation between both levels of government has been exceptional.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“The Federal Government stepped up to offer help before the rainstorm started, an offer which was accepted as soon as the storm was over and the damage was assessed. I want to thank the ministers responsible and the Canadian Armed Forces members who from the moment they arrived in the province responded with professionalism and compassion. The province and residents of the southwest coast owe them a debt of gratitude.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
“The rain we experienced on the southwest coast created significant challenges for many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The work completed by our crews, contractors and the Canadian Armed Forces during this difficult time has been monumental and we are thankful for everything they have done for everyone impacted by this major weather event.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“I want to thank my constituents for their patience, understanding, and support of one another during this undoubtedly difficult time. My gratitude is only outweighed by my pride and appreciation for the selflessness displayed by residents of the area and all of those who stepped up to help get us through.”
Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and the Member for Burgeo – La Poile
“The presence of the Canadian Armed Forces during this recent storm was very valuable in helping individuals and communities during their time of need. I want to wholeheartedly thank them for their valuable contribution to this relief effort.”
Scott Reid
MHA for St. George’s – Humber
“I am very proud of the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who deployed to assist local residents along the southwest coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. It was a privilege to work with our provincial and municipal partners in rendering assistance to those in need. Helping our fellow Canadians is one of the most important and rewarding tasks that any one of us can ever be asked to do.”
Rear-Admiral Brian Santarpia
Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5524, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca
Joanne Clarke
Constituency Assistant to Honourable. Andrew Parsons, MHA for Burgeo – La Poile
709-695-3585
joanneclarke@gov.nl.ca
Vanessa Muise
Constituency Assistant to Scott Reid M.H.A St. George’s – Humber
709-646-3110
vanessamuise@gov.nl.ca