Significant snowstorm in eastern Canada prompts federal assistance

Ottawa [Canada], February 7: The Canadian federal government on Tuesday announced its assistance to the province of Nova Scotia with recovery efforts following significant snowstorm in eastern Canada.
Public Safety Canada said in a news release that a request for federal assistance from the government of Nova Scotia has been approved and that the coordinated response efforts will help community members recover quickly across the province.
Over the weekend, a significant winter storm hit Atlantic Canada, resulting in one of the heaviest snowfalls in Nova Scotia, particularly Cape Breton, in the past 20 years. Cape Breton Regional Municipality declared a local state of emergency on Sunday.
According to the release, Parks Canada will provide heavy snow clearing equipment and personnel from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to assist neighboring communities with snow removal.
Canadian Coast Guard will provide air transport capabilities to assist with the delivery of critical supplies and evacuation of isolated and at-risk individuals.
Public Services and Procurement Canada will coordinate with the province and support any emerging contracting needs to help Nova Scotians procure snowploughs to move the snow and return the roadways to safe conditions.
Federal assistance is initiated when an emergency event overwhelms or threatens to overwhelm the resources of a province or territory, the release said.
Source: Xinhua