Premier Brian Gallant says the province hasn’t ruled out calling in the army to help deal with the unprecedented flooding.
Gallant made a stop in Quispamsis today to help in the sandbagging operation outside the Civic Centre and was asked about the criticism he’s received from members of the Opposition.
“We have called in federal support,” says Gallant.
“This is the equivalent of calling in the navy when you call in the Canadian Coast Guard. At this point, what we really need are vessels, we need people that can get into nooks and crannies with the flooding happening in many places in southern New Brunswick with road infrastructure being impacted.”
Gallant says the government is still willing to call in the troops, but right now officials on the ground feel there are enough resources in place.
The premier was also asked whether the government has considered declaring a state of emergency.
“A lot of people are used to the U.S. state of emergency, where you have to declare that to be able to get a disaster financial assistance program from the federal government or call in the army,” he says. “Here in New Brunswick, you don’t have to do that.”
He says they are willing to call one if necessary.
Gallant says it’s incredible and inspiring to see people helping one another during the historic flooding in the province.
“This is a terrible situation for New Brunswickers, all of the areas affected, it’s very difficult for all the people there,” says Gallant. “But we see, in this terrible situation, New Brunswickers being New Brunswickers looking out for each other.”