Statement - Ministers Goodale and Sajjan recognize Canadian Armed Forces support in combatting British Columbia wildfires

OTTAWA, Sept. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence made the following statements regarding the conclusion of the assistance of Canadian Armed Forces members in fighting British Columbia's wildfires. The decision to deploy the Canadian Armed Forces was made following consultation between the Province of British Columbia, Public Safety Canada and the Department of National Defence.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank the Canadian Armed Forces for the critical support they provided to help keep British Columbians safe in the wake of the wildfires. While fighting wildfires is a massive effort that remains on-going in many places, the immediate need for military support has been met. I am grateful for these brave men and women who, together with emergency responders, volunteer organizations and local governments, offered these communities support to make the trying times of evacuation as smooth as possible."
- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"The skilled and dedicated personnel of the Canadian Armed Forces always stand ready to help their fellow Canadians in times of need. As the state of emergency comes to an end, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting our provincial and regional partners and will continue to be there for British Columbians as they fight these wildfires."
- The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

For more information on Operation Lentus, please visit: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/operations-canada-north-america/op-lentus.page‎

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, [phone]; Jordan Owens, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of National Defence, [phone], Email: [email protected]; Media Relations, Department of National Defence, Phone: [phone]

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