OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 8, 2023 /CNW/ – The biggest home navy deployment in Canadian historical past was launched 25 years in the past right this moment when Canadian Armed Forces members started deploying in japanese Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick within the wake of a devastating ice storm that pummelled the area.
For a number of days in early January 1998, a chronic interval of freezing rain and ice pellets toppled 1000’s of bushes, snapped energy strains, and turned roads into skating rinks. With energy grids devastated, tens of millions had been with out lights, central heating, working water, refrigeration and sizzling meals throughout one of many coldest months of the 12 months. Roughly 35 individuals died because of the storm, virtually 1,000 had been injured, and greater than 600,000 had been briefly displaced.
By Operation RECUPERATION, some 15,000 common and reserve pressure personnel from roughly 200 totally different navy models from coast to coast helped those that had been affected by the storm. Troopers cleared particles, rescued stranded individuals and animals, sheltered and fed tens of 1000’s of people that had been compelled out of their properties, and supported farms that had been impacted by the storm. Additionally they shared their specialised experience, with navy engineers and technicians working across the clock to assist crews restore downed energy and phone strains.
The troops who took half on this operation carried on a proud navy custom of serving to keep order and make sure the security and safety of their fellow residents. 1 / 4 century later, Canadians stay grateful to them for the heavy work they did to assist communities get well from the Ice Storm of 1998.
Quotes
“In January 1998, Canada’s men and women in uniform stepped as much as assist proper right here at house throughout the ice storm that devastated japanese Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Working day and evening in harsh winter situations, our troops performed an important position within the catastrophe reduction operation. Twenty 5 years later, we thank them for protecting our individuals secure and serving to our communities get well.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Affiliate Minister of Nationwide Defence
“Whether or not at house or overseas, our Canadian Armed Forces are all the time able to reply the decision when their help is required. Such was the case 25 years in the past within the largest deployment for the reason that Korean Battle, when greater than 15,000 CAF members left their properties and households over the vacations to assist their fellow Canadians throughout a disaster. We are going to all the time bear in mind their tireless dedication, and we thank them for his or her service.”
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Nationwide Defence
Related hyperlinks:
25th anniversary of the 1998 Ice Storm
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
For additional data: Media Contacts: Media Relations: Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; Erika Lashbrook Knutson, Press Secretary, Workplace of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, [email protected]; Media Relations: Division of Nationwide Defence, Cellphone: 613-904-3333, [email protected]; Daniel Minden, Press Secretary, Workplace of the Minister of Nationwide Defence, Cellphone: 613-996-3100, [email protected]
