The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, today issued the following statement regarding Hurricane Dorian:
"Canadians remain gravely concerned by Hurricane Dorian and we express our condolences to all those affected by its devastation.
"Canadian government officials have been deployed to the Bahamas to assess the situation.
"An airport engineering specialist is now in Nassau as part of two Regional Rapid Needs Assessment Teams led by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). As they gain access to the hardest hit areas, these assessment teams will help provide a clearer picture of the storm's impact on the affected populations and their associated needs.
"Two additional Canadian officials are arriving in Nassau today to provide added capacity and expertise as well as support to Canadians.
"In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, Canada is also announcing up to $500,000 in emergency assistance to support experienced humanitarian organizations. Canada's contribution will support the efforts of humanitarian partners to respond quickly to needs once assessments are completed of those communities most affected by the disaster. We continue to work closely with CDEMA and the Government of the Bahamas to identify how Canada can best support the provision of emergency assistance.
"Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously. We continue to closely monitor Hurricane Dorian's trajectory and the situation in the affected areas and stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens as required.
"We encourage Canadians to regularly consult the Travel Advice and Advisories for updated information and to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest advice.
