The Quebec government officially requested assistance from the federal government on Friday to help with the flood situation in the province, according to Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.
Quebec Public Safety Minister Martin Coiteux made the request on Friday evening, specifically asking for support from the Canadian Armed Forces, Goodale said. Rainfall is expected to continue in the province throughout the weekend, worsening the flood situation.
Federal officials are working closely to determine and plan other details of the assistance.
“Citizens can rest assured that help will be provided as soon as possible,” Goodale said in a statement.
According to Coiteux, military personnel are expected to be on the ground by Saturday to help at five coordination centres.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the federal government was closely monitoring and ready to help communities affected by flooding across the country.
During a press conference with Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre on Friday, the prime minister sympathized with those coping with the flooding and offered the government’s support.
“We stand ready and willing to give whatever help the government can to help people through this situation and we will of course be there as the cleanup continues after the waters recede,” Trudeau stated.
Trudeau said the government was in constant and regular contact with provincial and municipal counterparts and was only waiting to be called upon in a “formal and official way” before taking any action.
Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings and special weather statements for communities in eastern and southern Ontario and much of Quebec, especially in the areas north and south of Montreal where residents are already struggling with overflowing rivers and severe flood conditions after heavy rain earlier in the week.
Atlantic Canada is also expected to be hit with more rainy weather Friday night and into the weekend.
