The federal government is committed to helping the RMWB mitigate the flood which has forced thousands to evacuate.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Tuesday his government has been in contact with the municipality over the past few days and is looking into possible supports.
He says they are open to sending military personnel to help out.
“We’re there for military support if we receive a request from the province.”
Mayor Don Scott and Scott Davis, Director of Emergency Management, held a press conference on Tuesday where they gave an update on the latest steps being taken.
Emergency response officials are working directly with the provincial operations centre to determine the best course of action moving forward. This includes whether military support is needed at this time.
Scott says the decision is on the Director of Emergency Management as he has the authority under the state of local emergency.
“[Scott Davis] is ultimately making the call but I think if it was me making the call I would take every opportunity.”
Mayor Scott says he continues to be in contact with Premier Jason Kenney and Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks. He’s been told that the province would endorse military action if a request, which includes a detailed plan, was put in by Davis and the Operations Centre.
However, Public Safety Canada says they’ve been told by the GoA that ‘no Request For Assistance is required’ to help with the flood as ‘they are managing within their capacity.’
Meanwhile, the municipality doesn’t have an exact number of people who’ve had to be evacuated.
People who’ve forced from their homes and weren’t in need of supports or accommodations did not have to report to either registration centre, making it harder to figure out the exact number.
According to the 2018 municipal census, over 12,000 live in the affected areas.
