Hello, everyone. Good afternoon. I’m joined today by ministers Blair, LeBlanc, and Anand, as well as ministers from regions affected by the storm.

Hurricane Fiona is currently having a terrible impact across Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec. We’re seeing devastating images come out of Port aux Basques; PEI has experienced storm damage like they’ve never seen; Cape Breton is being hit hard too, as is Quebec. There have been evacuation orders issued, hundreds of thousands of people are without power, there are reports of roads washed out and homes destroyed. We’ve all seen the images. This is a very powerful and dangerous storm.

We’re thinking first and foremost of the people who’ve had a terrifying past 12 hours. People have seen their homes washed away, seen the winds rip schools’ roofs off, but as Canadians, as we always do in times of difficulty, we will be there for each other.

Canadians are thinking of all those who have been affected by Hurricane Fiona, which has had devastating effects in the Atlantic provinces and in Eastern Quebec, especially the Magdalen Islands. There are people seeing their homes destroyed, people who are very worried: we will be there for you. We are continuing to monitor the situation very closely and, of course, the federal government is here to support the provinces with additional resources.

I will, of course, no longer be attending the state funeral in Japan, and our government is fully engaged in supporting Canadians through this major storm. I’ve spoken with premiers Furey, King, Higgs, Houston, and Legault. I have told them that if there is anything the federal government can do to help, we will be there.

Earlier today, I convened the Incident Response Group and our government is standing ready to support provinces with any necessary resources. We’ve approved Nova Scotia’s request for federal assistance, and we’ll deploy the Canadian Armed Forces to assist in assessment and cleanup, and stand ready to do more. We’re seeing reports of significant damage in the region and recovery is going to be a big effort. We will be there to support, every step of the way. 

I know Canadians across the country, as always, want to help, so we’re announcing that we will match any Red Cross donations Canadians and corporations make over the next 30 days.

I know that Canadians across the country want to help, so for the next 30 days, we will match donations to the Canadian Red Cross for Hurricane Fiona

However, today and tomorrow, the situation remains very dangerous. Please stay safe, listen carefully to local authorities, and look out for each other.

We are already seeing a lot of damage and the situation remains critical. Today and tomorrow, I encourage everyone to continue listening to local authorities and to do everything they can to stay safe.