Canada Supports U.S. Evacuation Efforts in Preparation for Gustav

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Aug 31 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the
Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced that Canada is
providing assistance with the evacuation of those in the path of
Hurricane Gustav. At the request of the United States government, a
Canadian Forces CC-177 aircraft left Canada earlier today for the
southern U.S. Gulf Coast. The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of
Public Safety, indicated that he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of
Homeland Security Michael Chertoff to offer further assistance.

"Canada and the United States have a long history of helping each other
in times of need," said Minister Emerson. "We were pleased that we could
provide this support so quickly." The multipurpose CC-177 departed from
CFB Trenton shortly after midday. Purchased by the Government of Canada
in 2006 to assist with a host of operations, including humanitarian
emergencies, the CC-177 continues to be an invaluable asset to Canada.

"Our highly trained medical team and this specially outfitted CC-177 have
the ability to quickly and efficiently move those in need of medical
assistance," said Minister MacKay. "Our military support of civil
emergency operations helps to save lives, prevent human suffering and
mitigate damage to property."

Canada is providing the medical fixed-wing aircraft, with medical
personnel on board to assist with any health issues, to conduct an
evacuation from potentially affected areas. The exact location of the
mission and its duration will depend on the storm's track and needs on
the ground.

The Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan provides the framework for the
execution of this mission. The Civil Assistance Plan, which was announced
in February, enhances the ability of the military from one nation to
support the armed forces of the other nation during a civil emergency.

"I spoke with Secretary Chertoff this morning to discuss the situation,"
said Minister Day. "Secretary Chertoff expressed gratitude on behalf of
the U.S. government for Canada's help. I offered any additional
assistance they may require on the ground now or after Gustav hits the
Gulf states, including help from a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team.
Canada stands ready to help."

Canadians residing in or travelling to the affected areas in the U.S. and
Caribbean should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather
reports, follow the advice of local authorities, and contact their travel
agent or tour operator to determine whether the situation will disrupt
travel arrangements. Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in
these areas should contact the Canadian embassy or consulate, or the
Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa.

Canadian officials in Ottawa and at Canada's missions abroad remain in
close contact with local authorities to determine how best Canada can
support preparedness and response efforts in countries affected by the
hurricane.

For the latest information for travellers on Hurricane Gustav, please go
to: www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/gustav.aspx.

Contacts:
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
613-995-1851

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx

Office of the Minister of National Defence
Jay Paxton
Press Secretary
613-996-3100

Department of National Defence
Media Liaison Office
613-996-2353 or 1-866-377-0811
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca

Office of the Minister of Public Safety
Melisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
613-991-2863

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