Operation LENTUS

2023

Support to Alberta during wildfires

On May 10, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness approved a Request For Assistance from the Province of Alberta and requested the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces provide support to the province as it managed its wildfire situation.

On May 19, the Chief of Defence Staff authorized an extension of CAF support until May 29. On May 27, CAF support was authorized for an additional two weeks, until June 12, to assist with tasks.

On June 11, CAF support was authorized for an additional week, until June 19^th, at the request of the province. CAF support to the RFA ended on June 19^th and the CAF members returned to their home bases. At the height of the mission, there were approximately 350 CAF members deployed.

Support to Nova Scotia during wildfires

On June 1 the Minister of Emergency Preparedness approved a Request For Assistance from the Province of Nova Scotia and requested the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces provide support to the province as it managed its wildfire situation. These resources were requested for an initial period of three weeks, with a one-week extension possible.

Canadian Forces Base Halifax Fire Fighters provided two specialized firefighting vehicles and civilian crews to support firefighting efforts as per a memorandum of understanding between the base and Halifax Regional Municipality. Approximately 100 members from 2^nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, assisted with type III firefighting.

CAF support to the RFA concluded on June 17 and the CAF members returned to their home bases. At the height of the mission, there were approximately 100 CAF members supporting the RFA.

Support to Quebec during wildfires

On June 2 the Minister of Emergency Preparedness approved a Request For Assistance from the Province of Quebec and requested the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces provide support to the province as it managed its wildfire situation. These resources were requested for an initial period of three weeks, with a one-week extension possible.

On Thursday, 29 June, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness approved another RFA from the Province of Quebec and requested the DND and the CAF to provide support to the province as it managed its wildfire situation. CAF support to the RFA ended on July 12 and the CAF members returned to their home bases. At the height of the mission, there were over 450 CAF members working in support of this RFA.

Support to Ontario evacuations of first nation communities

On June 22, 2023, the RFA from the province of Ontario for support with the evacuation of the first nation (FN) communities of Fort Albany and Kashechewan was approved by Minister Emergency Preparedness. In response, Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) activated approximately 30 members of 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (3 CRPG) in the FN communities of Fort Albany and Kashechewan, to assist with the evacuation, in partnership with other government departments and local agencies.

Support to British Columbia during wildfires

On Friday, July 14, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness approved a Request for Assistance from the Province of British Columbia and requested the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces provide support to the province as it managed its wildfire situation. The RFA was extended on August 5 through to August 14.

The CAF’s support to the RFA concluded on 15 August and at its height included over 300 personnel. Support was provided in Burns Lake, Vanderhoof, and Houston.

Support to Quebec during evacuation of Eastmain

On Friday, July 14, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness approved a Request For Assistance from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and requested the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces provide support to ISC as it manages the evacuation of the First Nations community of Eastmain, Qué. This RFA was approved for a period of one week.

The CAF was asked to provide airlift assistance for mobility and logistical tasks, as well as emergency evacuations in the region. Four CH-147 Chinook helicopters from 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Petawawa, Ontario, as well as One CC-130J Hercules from 436 Transport Squadron in Trenton, Ontario were provided in order to fill these tasks.

During this mission the CAF evacuated over 500 civilians and moved 27,350 lbs of cargo. The CAF’s support to the RFA ended on 21 July and the members returned to their home bases.

Support to The Northwest Territories during wildfires

On August 12, 2023, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness approved a Request for Assistance from The Northwest Territories and requested the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces provide support to the territory as it managed its wildfire situation. The RFA was granted for the two-week period of August 15 to August 29, 2023.

On August 16 residents of the city of Yellowknife were told to evacuate due to the wildfire risk. The CAF assisted with this evacuation with specialized capabilities. In total the CAF evacuated 158 people. After a one-week extension, the CAF’s support to the RFA ended on Tuesday, September 5, and at its height consisted of approximately 350 members.

Support to British Columbia during wildfires

On 20 August 2023, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness approved a Request for Assistance from the province of British Columbia for a period of two weeks. The government of British Colombia requested assistance to perform Type III firefighting support tasks, which was approved by the Ministers of Public Safety and National Defence on 25 August 2023.

Extended for another two weeks, this RFA included approximately 180 CAF personnel conducting Type III firefighting, logistical support, and evacuation assistance in the vicinities of Vanderhoof, Manson Creek, Prince George, and Vernon. On September 15 the CAF support to the RFA officially ended.

2022

Transportation of ambulances to Pikangikum First Nation

On October 19, 2022, Public Safety Canada (PS) received a request for federal assistance (RFA) from the Province of Ontario seeking immediate assistance to move patient transfer vehicles to Pikangikum First Nation, a remote community in northern Ontario, to restore sufficient medical transportation capacity. On October 22, 2022, The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) transported two ambulances from Dryden Ontario to Pikangikum First Nation, via a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J Hercules aircraft and crew from 436 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.

Response to Hurricane Fiona

2021

Yukon flooding

In response to a Request for Assistance from the Government of Yukon Territory, and in consultation with Territorial and local authorities, the CAF helped mitigate the adverse effects of flooding in the region by providing personnel and equipment.

Specific support tasks the CAF carried out included:

• Filling and moving sandbags
• Assisting persons affected by floods
• Conducting welfare checks of residents / properties in areas affected by flooding
• Flood mitigation tasks such as the protection of critical infrastructure and / or main access roads
• Assisting with the evacuation of persons from flooded areas

CAF support began on July 5, 2021 and continued until August 2, 2021, at which point the need for CAF assistance was assessed by the Territorial emergency management organization to be unnecessary going forward.

Northwestern Ontario wildfires

In response to a request for assistance by the province of Ontario, and in consultation with provincial and local authorities; the CAF deployed assets to support local efforts in response to wildfires threatening remote communities in Northwestern Ontario.

CAF members and aircraft provided air transport of evacuees out of affected areas in addition to transporting support personnel and equipment as necessary. Teams of Canadian Rangers used their expertise and local knowledge to provide evacuation support. The CAF began supporting the province of Ontario on July 12, 2021. Periodic reassessments of the situation were conducted until support was no longer needed on September 12, 2021.

Manitoba wildfires

On July 20, 2021, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) received a request for federal assistance from the Government of Manitoba to support the province’s ongoing wildfire response. In response, the CAF mobilized resources to respond to this request in the form of approximately 100 military personnel trained in the required type of firefighting needed to support the Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS).

CAF personnel from 2^nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), based at Canadian Forces Base Shilo supported this deployment. Personnel assisted by holding existing fire lines, suppressing hot spots to ensure fires were fully extinguished, and working with MWS fire crews to build new fire lines on priority fires. Assistance was requested until August 24, 2021.

British-Columbia wildfires

In response to an request for assistance by the Government of British Columbia, and in consultation with provincial and local authorities; the CAF deployed military equipment and personnel on July 5, 2021. These personnel were tasked to support local efforts in the emergency wildfire response. The CAF provided assistance to the province of B.C. from July 5 to September 5, 2021.

CAF air assets were positioned to provide airlift to transport personnel and equipment in areas affected by wildfires. CAF personnel assisted wildfire service staff with holding existing fire lines and suppressing hot spots in addition to other support tasks such as transport and fire line construction. In total, Over 300 CAF personnel supported the province during this deployment.

Iqaluit tainted water

On October 22, 2021, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) received a Request for Assistance from the Government of Nunavut to support the City of Iqaluit’s tainted water supply by providing two Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units (ROWPU)’s units and operators. On December 10, the Nunavut Chief Public Health Officer lifted the “Do not Consume” order on the water supply in Iqaluit and CAF redeployment of personnel and equipment began.

British-Columbia flooding

On November 17, 2021 the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) were approved to assist the Province of British Columbia with the significant challenges resulting from flooding in the southwest and central areas of the province. As part of a whole of government relief effort, CAF tasks were varied and included both air and land support.

In communities across the province, tasks assigned to the CAF were as follows:

• delivered food and supplies;
• delivered over 20,000 lbs of flood response equipment (sand bags, sand bag machines, HESCO bastion barriers);
• conducted sandbagging to protect critical infrastructure such as the Barrow Town Pumping Station and rail lines;
• helped in the construction of tiger dams;
• dike inspections;
• conducted reconnaissance and rapid damage assessments;
• evacuated British Columbians from danger areas, most notably 300 people, 26 dogs, and 1 cat from Hwy 7 when they were trapped on the roadway by mudslides on November, 15.
• evacuated 30,000 chickens from a poultry operation that had lost power;
• Transported 24,000lbs of Red Cross supplies from Calgary to Abbotsford;
• Transported Emergency Management BC and medical staff by air when land routes were blocked by flooding.

On December 6, 2021, CAF started drawing down support to flooding in B.C., with a domestic response company drawn from Canadian Army Reserve units in British Columbia remaining on standby to assist as needed. This operation ended December 17, 2021.

Newfoundland flooding

On November 25, 2021 the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) were approved to assist the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in the wake of record breaking rainfall. The tasks for CAF members and aircraft, included air transportation of people and supplies in and out of affected areas, in addition to providing planning assistance to local authorities.

The response was completed on December 2, 2021, which included 70 persons transported and 1,550 pounds of cargo moved by the two CH-146 Griffon Aircraft allocated to this response.

2020

Support to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador

From January 19 to 28, 2020, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) supported the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador after a major snowstorm led to states of emergency in several communities. Approximately 380 soldiers, sailors and aviators helped with:

• The assurance of public welfare (i.e., wellness checks)
• Opening civilian roadways
• Removal of snow blocking access to, or negatively affecting critical infrastructure
• Local snow removal for persons as coordinated by authorities
• Transport of persons to refuge locations and warming centers as required
• Transport essential employees to and from hospitals and emergency centers

CAF members completed a total of 863 tasked assigned by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. The majority of tasks required shovelling assistance, which helped 111 residents with medical needs, and 660 tasks that improved mobility for residents. There was a variety of 92 other tasks completed to assist Newfoundland and Labrador.

2019

Nova Scotia Hurricane Dorian Relief

From September 8 to 15, 2019, the CAF supported the Government of Nova Scotia with their response in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

Up to 450 personnel helped local emergency crews with:

• Ensuring public welfare
• Assisting with the restoration of power services
• clearing main roadways; and
• If required evacuating residents.

Helicopter support was provided by the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Members were deployed to areas across the province including Yarmouth, Liverpool, Bridgewater, Amherst, Truro, Sydney, Halifax, Sheet Harbour, Inverness, Mabou, Lunenburg, Guysborough, Antigonish, Pugwash, Barrington and Shelburne, and many additional communities in between.

Close to 9,000 km of streets and roads were surveyed across the province via land vehicles and in the air for potential issues, more than 445 km of streets were reopened and more than 600 trees and objects were removed.

Pikangikum First Nation Evacuations

From 30 May to 10 June 2019, the Canadian Armed Forces helped the Province of Ontario with the evacuation of Pikangikum First Nations due to heavy smoke from forest fires in Manitoba. Operation LENTUS is the CAF's response to natural disasters in Canada.

The Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Rangers from the Canadian Army:

• Escorted residents on board the CC-130 Hercules aircraft; and
• Transported residents to safer regions free of heavy smoke.

New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario Floods

From April 19 to 5 June 2019, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) helped the Provinces of New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario with flood relief.

Approximately 2,500 soldiers, sailors and aviators helped with:

• Filling and moving well over 1,5 million sandbags;
• Doing wellness checks on residents;
• Clearing routes;
• Providing transportation; and
• Helping to evacuate residents.

On May 3, 2019, the CAF concluded its deployment in New Brunswick, while the Quebec and Ontario deployments came to an end on June 5, 2019.

2018

Winter storm in Quebec

On November 29, 2018, the Province of Québec requested assistance from the Government of Canada following a winter storm affecting Eastern Québec and the Maritimes. The CAF assisted Public Safety Canada with relief efforts from November 30 to December 2, 2018.

The CAF sent the following assets to Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec:

• Two CC-130J Hercules aircraft
• A contingent of 15 CAF members from Joint Task Force East

One of the aircraft transported Hydro Quebec repair equipment from St-Hubert, Quebec. 12 Canadian Rangers from the Iles-de-la-Madeleine community also assisted with CAF efforts.

CAF assets helped with:

• Airlift transportation for passengers and equipment
• One CC-130H Hercules
• Reconnaissance
• Door-to-door verifications in support of Public Safety Canada

British Columbia fires

On August 13, 2018, the Government of Canada accepted the province of British Columbia’s request for assistance with wildfire response.

The CAF sent about 220 soldiers of the reserve and regular force to conduct mop-up operations in Gottfriedsen Mountain, Juliet Creek, Harris Creek, Woodward Creek, and Cool Creek.

A CC-130 Hercules aircraft, a CH-124 Sea King, and a CH-146 Griffon helicopter were available to transport personnel and equipment, as well as to provide troops to help in mop-up operations to contain the fire’s spread.

The Air Task Force conducted 49 sorties which included reconnaissance flights over fire-affected areas and movement of personnel and equipment.

The Canadian Armed Forces shipped 105,500 lbs of freight, transported a total of 115 passengers, for a total of 202.2 flying hours.

Manitoba fire

On May 23, 2018, the Province of Manitoba asked the Government of Canada to help evacuate people threatened by a forest fire in Little Grand Rapids.

The CAF sent a CH-147F Chinook helicopter, a CC-130H Hercules aircraft, and a CC-130J Hercules to assist with the evacuation. Over the course of two days, the CAF evacuated approximately 140 people.

British Columbia floods

On May 16, 2018, the Province of British Columbia requested help from the Government of Canada after severe flooding. From May 16 to 26, 2018, the CAF helped British Columbia with flood relief.

The CAF deployed over 350 troops. The majority of troops were from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade in Edmonton. They were set up in Vernon, BC, and their efforts were focused in the Okanagan area.

During the operation, CAF members completed the following:

• filled 50,000 sandbags and put 80,500 in place
• installed 750 metres of aqua dams and 50 metres of protective Hesco barrier
• reinforced and constructed dykes

New Brunswick floods

From May 11 to 15, 2018 the CAF deployed approximately 60 members to help the Province of New Brunswick respond to floods. There were 10 Critical Infrastructure Assessment Teams.

The CAF members came from 4 Engineer Support Regiment from 5^th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown.

They helped the province to assess damage and infrastructure in the region, including:

• 2 bridges
• 130 damaged ares
• 350 kilometres of transport routes

CAF members also checked 100 homes to ensure that they could be accessed for Fire Marshall health and safety inspections.

Kashechewan, Ontario floods

On April 25, 2018, the Province of Ontario asked the federal government for help. The request was for an emergency response at the Kashechewan First Nation. The province thought there would be potential flooding along the Albany River.

CAF members from 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group assisted in:

• evacuating community residents
• monitoring river levels in the area

On May 7, 2018, the CAF sent a CH-146 Griffon helicopter and a CC-130J Hercules aircraft to Kashechewan. The CAF evacuated approximately 100 people.

2017

Operation LENTUS Western Canada

From July to September 2017, the CAF assisted assist British Columbia and Manitoba with their wildfire situations.

British Columbia

After a request for assistance from the government of British Columbia, the CAF began sending troops and aircraft to the region on July 9. On September 15, the government of British Columbia confirmed an end to its state of emergency, and that it no longer needed CAF assistance.

The CAF conducted the following tasks during this mission:

• Supported provincial firefighters in firefighting operations
• Evacuated locals
• Transported first responders and equipment
• Delivered essential aid to isolated communities
• Assisted the RCMP in providing information to the public and conducting observation and reporting tasks at assigned points along access roads in affected areas

The following aircraft were deployed:

• Two CC-130J Hercules
• One CC-130H Hercules
• Two CH-147F Chinook helicopters
• Three CH-146 Griffon helicopters
• A CC-177 Globemaster III
• A CC-124 Sea King helicopter

About 150 vehicles were also deployed.

At the height of this mission, the CAF employed approximately 800 troops in the province. In total, more than 2000 troops from across Canada provided support to the Province over the course of the operation.

Manitoba

From August 31 to September 3, 2017, two CC-130H Hercules transported First Nation evacuees from Northern Manitoba to Winnipeg due to wildfires and smoke. The aircraft conducted 12 flights, evacuating 1119 people. Six Canadian Rangers helped with evacuations by moving evacuees by boat to the airport from which the Hercules aircraft were conducting flights.

Operation LENTUS 17-03: Quebec and Newfoundland

Quebec

On May 5, 2017, the Province of Quebec requested help from the Government of Canada after severe flooding. From May 6 to June 5, 2017, the CAF helped Quebec with flood relief in five regions:

• Montérégie
• Outaouais
• Mauricie
• Montréal
• Trois-Rivières

The CAF sent the following assets to help with flood relief:

• 2600 CAF members, including reservists, from:
  • 72 Canadian Army units (Regular and Reserve Forces)
  • four Royal Canadian Air Force squadrons
  • three Royal Canadian Navy Reserve units
  • one Royal Canadian Navy ship
• 400 vehicles including trucks and armoured vehicles
• Six CH-146 Griffon helicopters and one CH-147 Chinook helicopter, which completed:
  • 58 flights
  • 164 flight hours
• One Halifax-class frigate, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Montréal
• 15 small boats

While deployed, the CAF:

• distributed and filled sandbags to help solidify and protect key infrastructure
• used military vehicles to help civil authorities to maintain traffic on key routes and help evacuate citizens to safe areas
• patrolled to monitor key infrastructure and the safety of citizens
• reinforced dikes and walls to protect key infrastructure such as water treatment plants and bridges
• helped with the cleanup of sandbags from key public infrastructure and roads, when requested by towns and cities

In total, the CAF filled, distributed, or placed over 640,000 sandbags and cleaned up over 1,000,000.

Newfoundland

On May 17, 2017, the CAF evacuated 33 people from Mud Lake, Newfoundland, after significant flooding. One CH-146 Griffon helicopter from 444 Combat Support Squadron, 5 Wing Goose Bay, and one CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron, 9 Wing Gander, airlifted the residents and their pets to safety.

Further, after a request for help from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the CAF provided temporary shelter for people who were displaced and hadno other lodgings. Eighteen people stayed in the military barracks at 5 Wing Goose Bay until December 12, 2017.

Operation LENTUS 17-02: Kashechewan, Ontario

On April 16, 2017, the Province of Ontario asked the federal government for help. The request was for an emergency response at the Kashechewan First Nation. The province thought there would be potential flooding along the Albany River.

CAF members from 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group assisted in:

• evacuating community residents
• conducting land reconnaissance
• monitoring river levels in the area

On May 1, 2017, the Province of Ontario advised that help from CAF members was no longer required.

Operation LENTUS 17-01: New Brunswick

The Province of New Brunswick requested CAF assistance on January 27, 2017. This followed a destructive ice storm. The Province asked the CAF to look over the area to determine how it could help. The first troops arrived within 24 hours.

The Province made a second request for help on January 29. It asked for federal assistance in the form of CAF members and assets to conduct a variety of tasks. These included:

• delivering emergency supplies
• helping to re-establish road networks
• going door to door to check on residents in the Northeast of the province

About 200 CAF members went to New Brunswick. They were sent to communities in the Northeast of the province.

Over the course of the operation, the troops:

• surveyed more than 1,100 km of roads
• visited 5,400 houses
• delivered eight pallets of water
• delivered 34 truckloads of firewood

The Province announced on February 5, 2017, that remaining relief efforts in some areas were within provincial and municipal capabilities. The CAF then began to reduce the military presence in those areas.

The remaining CAF members finished assisting New Brunswick’s relief efforts and returned to their home units on February 6, 2017.

2016

Operation LENTUS 16-01: Fort McMurray, Alberta

The Province of Alberta asked for CAF assistance on May 4, 2016. This request followed the intense wildfires in Alberta. The Province asked for help with their emergency response to the wildfire in Fort McMurray.

In support of the Province of Alberta, the CAF deployed:

• 65 CAF members
• four CH-146 Griffon helicopters
• one CH-147 Chinook helicopter
• one CC-130J Hercules aircraft

During Op LENTUS 16-01 Joint Task Force West:

• shipped 124,700 lbs. of freight
• carried a total of 367 evacuees to safe areas
• carried 173 firefighters in and out of the affected area

The Op LENTUS 16-01 Air Task Force worked from Conklin, Alberta. During the operation it:

• conducted one search and rescue mission
• conducted eight reconnaissance flights over fire-affected areas and critical infrastructure
• conducted eight night flights using technology to monitor the fire

The Province of Alberta assessed the situation on May 12, 2016. It determined that CAF air assets were no longer needed as support to respond to the Fort McMurray wildfires. On May 13, 2016, all participating CAF assets returned to their home units.

2015

Operation LENTUS 15-02: Northern Saskatchewan

The Province of Saskatchewan asked for help from the federal government on July 4, 2015. This request followed intense wildfires. As a result, about 850 CAF members were sent to northern Saskatchewan. They supported local and provincial firefighting by:

• conducting fire line operations. This included patrols, surveillance, digging and fire control
• conducting fire line operations near towns and critical infrastructure
• putting out hotspots in and around vulnerable communities
• providing logistic support

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) sent two CH-146 Griffon helicopters to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. They went to carry CAF members around the area as needed. The CAF also had about 230 vehicles in the Prince Albert area.

In total, CAF members served for 12 days on fire line operations. The mission ran from July 8 to 20.

Operation LENTUS 15-01: Kashechewan, Ontario

The Province of Ontario made a request for help on April 27, 2015. The CAF then supported the Province. It provided air assets and crews to help transport residents of Kashechewan who were preparing for spring flooding.

RCAF helicopters were placed on standby and moved close to the affected region. They were there to help the province evacuate people if needed. Several Canadian Rangers from the affected communities also helped in the voluntary evacuations.

2014

Operation LENTUS 14-05: Manitoba

The Province of Manitoba declared a state of emergency following intense flooding. It asked for help from the federal government on July 4, 2014. As a result, 500 CAF members were sent to help. They supported provincial authorities by:

• helping fill and place sandbags
• delivering sandbags to remote areas
• helping build barriers to protect critical infrastructure

Four CH-146 Griffon helicopters were sent from 408 Squadron in Edmonton. They conducted flights over the affected area.

Operation LENTUS 14-03: Northern Ontario

The CAF helped evacuate residents of Attawapiskat First Nations between May 17 and 20. In total, 165 residents were evacuated via two airlifts from the area during this period.

CC-130 Hercules aircraft provided air evacuation. Canadian Rangers from the community assisted in the voluntary evacuation.

Operation LENTUS 14-02: Northern Ontario

The CAF helped evacuate residents of Kashechewan, Ontario, between May 10 and 12. In total, 730 people were evacuated via airlift from Kashechewan during this period.

CC-130 Hercules aircraft provided air evacuation. Canadian Rangers from the community assisted in the voluntary evacuations.

Operation LENTUS 14-01: Northern Ontario

The CAF supported the Province of Ontario in May 2014. It helped evacuate communities in the James Bay region. The area was affected by spring flooding caused by ice jams. Three CAF operations took place to help these communities. (Op LENTUS 14-01, 14-02, and 14-03)

The CAF helped evacuate residents of Kashechewan and Fort Albany, Ontario (approximately 400 km north of Timmins, Ontario). This took place between May 7 and 8. In total, 90 people were evacuated via airlift.

CC-130 Hercules aircraft provided air evacuation. Canadian Rangers from the community assisted in the voluntary evacuations.

2013

Operation LENTUS 13-01: Southern Alberta

The CAF responded to a Request for Assistance from the Province of Alberta in June 2013. The province asked for help with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. This was requested because of major flooding in Southern Alberta.

2011

Operation FORGE: Northwest Ontario

The CAF assisted local authorities in Northwestern Ontario in July 2011. It helped in evacuating residents in the area who were threatened by forest fires. Six CC-130 Hercules aircraft and crews flew a total of 42 missions. In total, they evacuated 3,614 people from:

• Deer Lake
• Cat Lake
• Fort Hope
• Keewaywin
• Kingfisher Lake
• Kasabonika
• Sandy Lake

Operation LUSTRE: Southern Manitoba

The CAF assisted local authorities in Manitoba with Operation LUSTRE in May 2011. This was in response to flooding of the Assiniboine River in Southern Manitoba.

Operation LOTUS: Montérégie region of Québec

The CAF responded to a request for help from the Province of Québec in May 2011 with Operation LOTUS. This was the CAF response to help the Province with flooding in the Montérégie region of Québec.

2010

Operation LAMA: Southern and eastern Newfoundland

The CAF responded to a request for help from the Province of Newfoundland in September 2010. The CAF launched Operation LAMA to help the Province following Hurricane Igor. At its peak, Operation LAMA involved more than 1,000 CAF regular and reserve members. They helped some 40 communities that had been cut off by storm damage.