Abbotsford receiving influx of military personnel

Canada’s military is focusing on Abbotsford as federal aid makes its way to flood-devastated B.C. but isn’t giving concrete answers on what financial supports people who are out of their homes will have access too right now.

Defence Minister Anita Anand says military helicopters and planes have already been assisting with rescues and evacuations, while soldiers will start to arrive as early as Thursday afternoon.

“At the days end and we will have approximately 120 soldiers on the ground in Abbotsford British Columbia. And if needed, we have thousands more members on standby ready to help the province and British Columbians,” she said.

Canadian Armed Forces will be in the province for the next 30 days and possibly longer if needed.

“They can evacuate people to safety; offer help to those who are vulnerable, stranded, or in distress; support critical provincial supply chains; investigate the impacts of flooding to help B.C.’s planning of relief efforts; and assist local authorities in protecting critical infrastructure, roads, and properties.”

Military assistance could include both air and ground support, if B.C. requests it.

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However with thousands of people out of their homes across the province, many are looking for financial aid now — something Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair says is on Ottawa’s list.

“We’ve had a number of discussions with my ministerial colleagues in particular Minister [Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion of Canada, Carla] Qualtrough today about employment and financial supports that families may need in those circumstances. And so it is being given very important consideration at this time,” he said.

“But we’re working very closely with our provincial and municipal partners in British Columbia to ensure that that we provide all the systems that they requested require of us in order to for to ensure that first of all people are brought to a place of safety.”

He says when supports are available the information will be distributed, but it’s unclear exactly through which channels.

He says the immediate needs are to get people to safety, make sure they have supplies and shelter and then get them home as quickly as possible before looking to the long road to recovery.

“We’re also trying to address, think very serious concerns with respect to supply chains, making sure that there is food, fuel and feed available where it’s needed in the province and so those are immediate needs that are being addressed in this moment of crisis.”

The City of Abbotsford declared a local state of emergency earlier this week, ordering evacuations for some properties, and shuttering schools.