Canadians and corporations are being encouraged to help those impacted by Hurricane Fiona.
The federal government provided an update during a media conference on Sunday, pledging financial support for those in Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.
The post-tropical storm made landfall in eastern Nova Scotia on September 24. Damaging wind gusts, flooding, and power outages impacted most of the Atlantic provinces and parts of Quebec.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said Canadian Armed Forces and Transport Canada assets will be deployed to assist local authorities and collect aerial imaging to get a better understanding of the damage.
“In a disaster like this one, time is of the essence and a speedy response is what’s required,” said Blair.
To assist in recovery efforts, Ottawa officially announced a donation-matching program with the Canadian Red Cross over the next 30 days.
Donations to the Hurricane Fiona in Canada Appeal will support emergency services such as interim housing, clothing, food, and other essential supplies.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans this weekend to visit the affected areas, but federal officials said on Sunday that the visit will take place at the “appropriate moment.”
At least one death has been reported as a result of the storm. Blair said they received confirmation on Sunday that the body of a woman, who was swept to sea in Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, was recovered.
As of Sunday afternoon, Environment Canada said the remnant low from Fiona was over the Labrador Sea. The low was slowly dissipating as it moved north and precipitation was expected to end Sunday night.
The Canadian Red Cross is working closely with provincial, municipal and Indigenous governments to support individuals, families and communities impacted by #HurricaneFiona.
You can help those impacted by donating online: https://t.co/rce4Q1cqgN or by phonepic.twitter.com/qENcfPAhtH
— Canadian Red Cross (@redcrosscanada) September 25, 2022
