Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged help from the federal government, and even the military if needed, to those affected by Thursday’s ice storm.
Mr. Trudeau was in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough, with the mayor of Montreal Valérie Plante, to see the extent of the damage.
“We will be there to help as soon as there are requests,” said Mr. Trudeau, pointing out that he had not yet received a request for help from the Legault government or the City of Montreal. Asked directly about the possible deployment of soldiers, he replied: “It depends on a formal request from the province, but the Canadian Armed Forces are always there to help and serve. »
“It’s always very sad to see that, but it’s knowing that people are safe and that we’re going to take care of people, that’s the most important thing,” continued Mr. Trudeau.
Valérie Plante announced the opening of all cultural centers and libraries that always have power in order to offer citizens a place of refuge. The Montreal Fire Department (SIM) is preparing to open shelters if needed.
The municipal teams are first busy clearing the passageways for emergency vehicles. “The priority is the main streets first, then the secondary streets and, at the very end, the parks,” said Ms.me Plant.
The mayor called for caution: Montrealers should stay home on Thursday and, above all, avoid going to parks. “It can fall, it’s still very unstable,” she said. Its fire chief added that the victims must absolutely avoid using combustion devices (propane, for example) inside.
“Along with sadness, there is this observation that we have been making for a long time, but which is increasingly obvious: climate change is not a figment of the imagination. It’s a reality that strikes ever more often and harder,” added Valérie Plante.