Feds send additional troops to help with Fiona cleanup in Cape Breton
More troops are on the way to help Cape Bretoners cleanup from Fiona.
The federal government says 200 additional military personnel are being deployed, as a local state of emergency remains in effect.
Still, there appears to be some progress. Nova Scotia Power says about 89 per cent of customers in Cape Breton have been reconnected.
Sean Casey’s property is still littered with debris. His house and vehicle are both significantly damage. The worst part is he doesn’t have insurance.
“The pole was split in half and ripped the power stack from the house,” Casey tells CTV Atlantic. “We have extensive siding damage. Our roof got damaged.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Casey’s neighbourhood last week, promising residents they’d be looked after, but he’s still waiting for assistance.”
“We haven’t had an estimate or haven’t had an adjustor or anybody look at it yet, but it’s obvious we’re a little over our heads here and we’d appreciate some help,” Casey added.
On Sunday morning, Minister of National Defence Anita Anand announced an additional 200 military personnel are being sent to Cape Breton to complement the approximately 350 troops already on the ground. According to Anand, they will help clear debris around properties to allow crews to work to restore power.
“We’re going to have to look at those that don’t have insurance, and there are a lot of them because it is very difficult to afford it on fixed income. We will work hand in glove with the provincial government to come up with solutions for those individuals,” said N.S. Liberal MP Mike Kelloway.
Nova Scotia Power says damage in Cape Breton is due primarily to hundreds of broken poles and downed lines due to fallen trees. Washed-out roads are also limiting access and making it difficult for crews to move around.
“We’re nine days without power --- 204 hours to be exact,” said Sydney resident Tracey Hilliard.
Restoration time for Hilliard is not until Wednesday, but she says she’ll be surprised if they have it by then.
“It’s almost funny to say you’re getting a little bit used to it,” Hilliard said. “Of course it plays on your mind and makes you a little bit weary, but you get used to the routine of turning the generator on and turning it off.”
Schools under Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education and the Strait Regional Centre for Education are expected to resume classes on Monday. Classes at Cape Breton University are also set to reopen Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.