QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Support for Victims of Hurricane Fiona
September 27, 2022
Honourable senators, my question is for Senator Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate.
Over the weekend, the Atlantic provinces were hit by Hurricane Fiona. You heard my statement. Many homes have been washed away in Port aux Basques in Newfoundland and Labrador, and, after the storm battled through, the infrastructure in other outport towns has been devastated. Port aux Basques and other towns in the area are still under state of emergency orders.
With the storm now passed, what is the government doing to assist the rebuilding of both federal infrastructure and personal property? Senator Gold, I’m speaking specifically about farmers who have lost much of their crop and fish harvesters who have lost not just some of their gear but a lot of the infrastructure they rely upon to land their catch.
Thank you for your question. First and foremost, colleagues, our thoughts are with the people of Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec who are still struggling with the devastating aftermath of the storm, including, of course, the families who have lost loved ones, homes and businesses.
The government has been clear from the beginning that it is present to provide all the help that is required. The Prime Minister is currently on-site, as we know.
I am advised that, following requests from provincial governments, the Canadian Armed Forces are there and have been deployed in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and P.E.I. to assist. The government, as you know, is matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross and is in regular contact with its counterparts to make sure that all the help that is required will be provided.
Thank you for that, Senator Gold. I have a follow-up question.
I know you don’t know what next year’s budget will be, but would you please endeavour to request that the departments with typical infrastructure-funding programs — like the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has small-craft harbours, and Transport Canada and others have other infrastructure budgets — ensure that the infrastructure is not just rebuilt but rebuilt better for the livelihoods of the people who depend upon it?
I certainly will. This is going to be a priority for the country as a whole as we face what appears to be, clearly, the consequences of changing weather patterns and climate change. Our infrastructure has to become more resilient.
I will certainly make those inquiries with regard to your specific question.
