Evacuations completed in Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation as federal government continues to assist evacuees

OTTAWA, May, 25, 2018 /CNW/ - The safety and security of all persons in an emergency situation remains our government's top priority. Whenever the Government of Canada receives a request for support in an emergency, the request is actioned expeditiously. 

Public Safety Canada, the RCMP, the Canadian Armed Forces, and Indigenous Services Canada are working together with the Canadian Red Cross, the Province of Manitoba, and other partners to assist Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation as their communities face wildfires.

Evacuation operations were completed at 12:30 CT. Approximately 1,190 residents from Little Grand Rapids First Nation and approximately 600 residents from Pauingassi will receive support from the Canadian Red Cross and Indigenous Services Canada in Winnipeg. Essential supports and services will be provided, including mental health supports if requested or required.

Indigenous Services Canada will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. The Government Operations Centre (GOC) will continue to monitor and assess the wildfires as the situation evolves.

Quotes

"My thoughts are with the residents of Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation during this challenging time. Indigenous Services Canada is working in lock-step with Public Safety, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Red Cross, the Province of Manitoba and First Nation partners to ensure that residents are supported throughout both the evacuation process and in their temporary placements in Winnipeg."

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"The Government of Canada is working with the province and the Red Cross to support Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi First Nation communities in the face of the wildfires. Our thoughts remain with those impacted by the fire, and with the first responders who have been working to keep everyone safe."

The Honourable Ralph Goodale
Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"The Canadian Armed Forces are always ready to support its partners. The Canadian Armed Forces continues to demonstrate exemplary professionalism and are ready to assist civil authorities in response to the situation in Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi First Nation communities."

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan
Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

• At 16:38 CDT on Tuesday, May 22, Little Grand Rapids First Nation contacted Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to start the evacuation of Priority 1 persons, consisting of persons with pre-existing or higher need medical issues.
• At 20:30 CDT, the Chief and Council of Little Grand Rapids First Nation declared a State of Emergency, which then activated the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) to begin a full evacuation of their community.
• As additional support was required, ISC made a formal request Tuesday overnight to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for assistance with the evacuation by air. The request was approved by Ministers Goodale and Sajjan early Wednesday morning.
• On May 23, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) assigned a CH-147 Chinook and CC-130H Hercules to support the evacuation of civilians in immediate danger. Approximately 65 people were evacuated by CAF aircraft in support of the wider efforts led by provincial authorities.
• Yesterday, a CC-130J Hercules from Trenton, Ont. transported evacuees from Red Lake, Ont. to Winnipeg.
• Evacuations completed at 12:30 CT. Approximately 1,190 residents from Little Grand Rapids First Nation, and approximately 600 residents from Pauingassi First Nation were evacuated to Winnipeg.
• Additional Manitoba RCMP members were deployed to assist with the evacuation and provide relief to the affected RCMP detachments and communities. The Manitoba RCMP Emergency Operations Centre in Winnipeg is activated and operating 24/7.
• Technicians for telecoms and power are being flown in to assess power and telecoms situation and work on maintaining/restoring service.
• The response is being coordinated through the Canadian Red Cross and Manitoba's Emergency Measures Organization. The federal response is being coordinated through the Government Operations Centre.

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: Rachel Rappaport, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, 819-934-2796; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160; Scott Bardsley, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681, [email protected]; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, [email protected]; Media Relations, Department of National Defence, 613-996-2353, [email protected]