(Quebec) Prime Minister François Legault confirmed on Saturday that Quebec will compensate residents of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine who suffered significant material losses following the passage of the post-tropical storm. Fiona.
Posted at 12:56 p.m.
Mr. Legault made the announcement during a press briefing where he swapped his hat as party leader in the election campaign for that of Premier of Quebec, Saturday noon in Quebec City.
Accompanied by his Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Security, Geneviève Guilbault, Mr. Legault added that he wants residents of the Islands and the North Shore to focus on their safety, and not to Don’t do it with material things.
He said the provincial government will make sure to financially help people who have suffered material losses that are not covered by private plans.
According to the most recent report, more than 7,500 customers were without power due to the storm. Many trees and electric poles have been uprooted, while the entire road network of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine remains closed.
Strong winds are still expected until Saturday evening for several sectors. However, there were no injuries or fatalities.
If it is safe to do so, Mme Guilbault will travel to the Magdalen Islands on Sunday. Mr. Legault was already due to go there on Monday as part of the election campaign, and he will honor this commitment if conditions allow.
Before speaking to reporters, the Prime Minister toured the Government Operations Center, which coordinates the storm watch Fiona.
He then took part in an information session on the situation with representatives of the Direction générale de la sécurité civile and the Ministère de la Sécurité publique.
The CAQ leader indicated that he will resume his election campaign activities on Saturday afternoon, but he canceled a large rally planned for Terrebonne in the evening.