Nova Scotia Helps
Quebec

The Government of Nova Scotia is co-ordinating a relief convoy of electrical generators and other supplies to help the people of Quebec in their time of need.

Two flatbed trucks loaded with generators are headed to Quebec to help in the province's recovery from recent ice storms.

The Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Emergency Measures Organization are co-ordinating the delivery of the emergency power equipment. The generators come from government and members of the Nova Scotia Milk Producers Association.

The generators are destined for Iberville and St-Valentin, Que., on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River near Montreal.

"The situation in Quebec and eastern Ontario has struck a chord in all of us," said Public Works Minister Don Downe. "When people are in need, this country pulls together. I can't say enough about Nova Scotia's farmers who have spearheaded this effort to help fellow Canadians.

"Not only farmers, but all Nova Scotians, in churches, at food banks, as individuals, who are quietly working to help in any way they can."

The milk producers association contacted more than 35 farmers, industries and fire brigades to obtain the generators. Transportation and Public Works is supplying four generators, two mechanics to service the generators, and the trucks and drivers for the journey. One of the generators, weighing a tonne, was removed by crane from the roof of an eight-storey office building housing the headquarters of the Emergency Measures Organization.

Natural Resources is also supplying a 100-kilowatt generator, enough to provide electricity to between 20 and 25 homes. Another 25 smaller generators are coming from farmers.

"We have great sympathy and empathy with the farmers in Quebec and eastern Ontario," said Jack Johnson, an adviser with the Nova Scotia Milk Producers Association. "Some of them haven't been able to milk their dairy cattle regularly for more than 10 days. We feel we've just got to help these people."

Government is also organizing deliveries of other needed supplies. Nova Scotians are asked to donate vitally needed firewood for those still without electricity. The emergency measures organizations of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are arranging for the delivery of the firewood in co-operation with Canadian National Railway. CN is donating railcars to the effort. Nova Scotians will be asked to deliver firewood to three locations being arranged for this purpose. The specific times and

locations for deliveries will be announced later today.

"Nova Scotians still appreciate the help that came our way in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion," said Wayne Adams, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization. "Now it is our turn to help our fellow Canadians in their time of need."

Mr. Downe asked Nova Scotians to help ease the suffering of the people of Central Canada by supporting relief organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross. The toll-free telephone number for the Red Cross is 1-800-463-4483.

Nova Scotians can call the Public Enquiries Office of the Department of Business and Consumer Services for information about the relief effort. The numbers are 1-800-670-4357 (toll free) or 424-5200 in the Halifax area. The offices will be open this Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., in addition to regular business hours Monday to Friday.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Details on the times and locations of drop-off points for firewood will be provided to media later today. Media requiring information on the weekend should telephone Paul McEachern at 902-499-5641.