Province Extends Its Thanks to Nova Scotians

PREMIER'S OFFICE- Province Extends Its Thanks to Nova Scotians

Nova Scotians have once again demonstrated the compassion, hospitality and generosity for which they are renowned.

"The immediate reaction of Nova Scotians ensured that the more than 8,400 people diverted to our province had the most positive experience possible in a time of great tragedy," said Premier John Hamm.

Nova Scotia businesses, organizations and individuals responded to the needs of the diverted passengers with donations of food, toiletries, clothing, shelter, bedding and transportation. Extra telecommunications and television services were also supplied. Thousands of people from volunteer fire departments, the Salvation Army, ground search and rescue crews and individual communities volunteered to assist at the make-shift reception centres. The centres were established in churches, schools, community centres and military bases throughout Halifax Regional Municipality and outlying areas.

"All Nova Scotians should be proud of the way they responded to the needs of the travellers," said the premier.

Nova Scotia's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) assisted Halifax Regional Municipality with its emergency operations. The new Joint Emergency Operations Centre was put into full operation for the first time since its opening on Sept. 6. Once the Emergency Operations Centre was activated, EMO became responsible for co-ordinating the provincewide emergency response.

"It should be a great source of comfort to all Nova Scotians that our emergency measures organizations work so efficiently with one another," said Jamie Muir, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. "The events over the past few days have proven the effectiveness of our new Joint Emergency Operations Centre. The improved communication now possible among the organizations made a great contribution to ensuring a well co-ordinated response."

Many provincial government departments were involved in the effort.

The Department of Community Services, with the help of the Canadian Red Cross, provided emergency social services at shelters, including registration, reception, housing, food and clothing.

The Department of Health, through Emergency Health Services, was involved in meeting the immediate medical needs of those on the flights. Initial triage by paramedics took place at the airport and some individuals were transported to hospitals within Halifax Regional Municipality. Physicians, nurses and other health professionals from Nova Scotia provided assistance in addressing ongoing medical and mental health needs.

The Department of Health was also receiving regular updates from Canadian Blood Services on the status of blood donations. The response to the call for blood was phenomenal and the need will continue over the next few weeks. For information on donations of blood, please contact Canadian Blood Services at 1-877-442-5663.

The Department of Tourism and Culture used Check In, the provincial reservation and information system, to process more than 6,000 calls with offers of help and shelter and to gather information about available rooms in and around the Metro area. The province's visitor information centre at the airport was also staffed 24 hours a day for three days. In co-operation with tourism industry partners, thousands of inquiries were answered and alternative travel arrangements to the U.S. were made for passengers.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works was also involved in the response effort by providing additional lighting on the runways of the airport and transporting cots and bedding to the reception centres. As well, the Department of Education supported the response effort as it worked with the school boards in identifying schools that could be used as reception sites. The department also helped transport those on diverted flights to sites outside the municipality.

"I extend a heartfelt thanks to every government employee, every blood donor and every volunteer for giving of their time and their resources so tirelessly and so willingly," said Premier Hamm.

A book of condolence will be available for signing at Province House until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21. Flags on provincial buildings returned to full mast as of sunset, Sept. 17.