I believe we have reached the point where Ottawa law enforcement should ask
for assistance under Operation LENTUS.
Local authorities who need assistance request it from provincial or territorial governments. The province or territory may seek assistance from the federal government if an emergency escalates beyond their capabilities. That federal response is managed by Public Safety Canada, who may ask the CAF for additional help. When the CAF is called to respond to emergencies in Canada, it responds under Operation LENTUS.
Emergency response and prevention operations
 January 31, 2017. Sapper Alex O'Halloran, a member of 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), removes fallen tree branches and damaged trees during Operation LENTUS in the Acadian Peninsula of New Brunswick on January 31, 2017. (Photo: WO Jerry Kean, 5 Cdn Div Public Affairs)
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is often called on by the Government of Canada to respond to crises in Canada and in other parts of the world. Crises might involve forest fires, floods, hurricanes or other natural disasters. The CAF may be called for help when civil authorities are overwhelmed. They may also call because they need the CAF’s unique military equipment and skills.
Helping prevent emergenciesThe CAF runs an avalanche control operation each year in Rogers Pass, B.C. The operation is in support of Parks Canada. Artillery crews fire rounds at mountain slopes to release small areas of unstable snow. This is done in a precise way and helps prevent larger, uncontrolled avalanches. This mission is called Operation PALACI.
Responding to emergencies in CanadaEmergencies are managed first at the local level; for example, by first responders such as:
medical professionals and hospitals; fire departments; the police; and municipalities. Local authorities who need assistance request it from provincial or territorial governments. The province or territory may seek assistance from the federal government if an emergency escalates beyond their capabilities. That federal response is managed by Public Safety Canada, who may ask the CAF for additional help. When the CAF is called to respond to emergencies in Canada, it responds under Operation LENTUS. |
