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Chrystia Freeland, minister of Foreign Affairs, Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of National Defence, and Maryam Monsef, minister of International Development and minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced that Canada is providing additional emergency assistance to the communities in The Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian.
Following the initial deployment of Canadian officials to the affected areas earlier this week, Canada deployed a Canadian Armed Forces CC-130J Hercules aircraft to provide initial airlift support to the Jamaican Defence Force’s Disaster Assistance Response Team.
A Canadian Disaster Assistance Team (CDAT), including experts from Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces, has also deployed to Nassau, The Bahamas, to determine how Canada can best help those affected by Hurricane Dorian.
The CDAT will assess the needs on the ground and establish what additional support may be required.
The Hercules aircraft, which departed from Trenton, Ont., arrived in Nassau and then continued to Kingston, Jamaica, to facilitate the deployment of the Jamaican Defence Force into The Bahamas.
The five Canadian officials already in Nassau are providing critical services and support to Canadians in distress.
This assistance is in addition to the $500,000 commitment that Canada made on Sept. 4, 2019 to support experienced humanitarian organizations in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas. These funds are being channelled to the Canadian Red Cross for emergency shelter and relief items.
“Canada has been deeply distressed by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian. In particular, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who died. We stand ready to provide assistance to the people of the Bahamas as they begin their recovery efforts and to Canadian citizens who require consular services,” said Freeland.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian. The women and men in the Canadian Armed Forces are highly trained, equipped and they are ready to assist relief efforts in The Bahamas,” added Sajjan.
“Hurricane Dorian has caused significant devastation in The Bahamas and Canada is responding quickly to ensure that people in affected communities receive immediate assistance,” said Monsef.
