Storm Fiona: Opposition parties question federal government response in emergency debate

Global News on Youtube shows the debates.

Members of parliament held an emergency debate Monday evening on the devastation in Atlantic provinces amid storm Fiona at the request of NDP MP Richard Cannings. MPs delivered statements expressing support and offering help to Atlantic provinces, and questioning the government over its response to the hurricane.

Defence Minister Anita Anand reiterated the government’s efforts to deploy the Canadian Armed Forces were needed.

Leader of the official Opposition Pierre Poilievre called on the government to drop the ArriveCan screening requirement "today" at the border after Maine emergency crews coming to help Nova Scotia over the weekend were stopped due to issues related with their ArriveCan apps. The federal government has announced the ArriveCan screening will no longer be mandatory as of Oct. 1.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has announced an "unprecedented" relief package of $40 million for residents impacted by post-tropical storm Fiona past weekend.

Fiona hit Atlantic Canada on Friday night into Saturday, causing widespread power outages, washing out roads and downing trees. As of 4 p.m. on Monday, there were still more than 170,000 customers without power.