The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, have expressed the province’s thanks to the Canadian Armed Forces for their support in helping residents following the historic winter storm on January 17.

Members of Joint Task Force Atlantic completed their response today (Tuesday, January 28). Reservists and soldiers accomplished 900 tasks for people in and around St. John’s. While this phase of the cleanup effort with the Canadian Armed Forces has concluded, cities and municipalities continue to widen roadways and begin the process of providing access to sidewalks.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment continues to work with the cities and municipalities that have been impacted by the storm. At present, the priority remains to ensure safety of residents. Residents are asked to remember to check in on neighbours to see if they require assistance, particularly seniors, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable people.

Quotes
“Our province is forever grateful to the Canadian Armed Forces and the help shown to people who were affected during this incredible storm. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will never forget the selflessness, dedication, and the comfort they brought to many of our most vulnerable residents at such a stressful time. The amount of progress to date with regards to the cleanup certainly would not have been possible without their efforts.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier Newfoundland and Labrador

“I am in awe of the hard work carried out by our Canadian Armed Forces during their time in our province. From the moment they arrived, until the final call for assistance, they did not waver. I am proud our province had these women and men to call on for help during this extraordinary storm.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

“I am very proud of all the Canadian Armed Forces members who deployed to Newfoundland and Labrador on very short notice, especially those reservists from Newfoundland and Labrador who were directly affected but stepped up to help others before themselves. The level of cooperation between all our partners across the federal, provincial and municipal governments to dig out from this massive snow storm has been exceptional. The hospitality Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have shown the military was nothing short of extraordinary. There is no more rewarding service for the military than helping fellow Canadians in their time of need.”
Rear Admiral Craig Baines
Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic

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Media contacts
Jeremy Reynolds
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-9446, 694-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca