Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The federal government is sending the military to help Pimicikamak Cree Nation after a days-long power outage led to damage to hundreds of homes and the evacuation of thousands of people.
In a letter posted to the social media site X on Friday afternoon, Eleanor Olszewski, Canada’s emergency management minister, said a “specialized team” from the Canadian Armed Forces will be deployed to the northern Manitoba First Nation.
Military personnel will provide “targeted assessment and advisory support focused on water treatment and sewage systems, power generation, project management and logistics,” Olszewski said.
The decision to send military personnel follows a request from Pimicikamak Cree Nation nine days ago.
Leadership has asked for plumbers and other technicians to come to Pimicikamak’s aid, as estimates suggest repairs could take weeks or months.
Crews work to fix a water main break in front of a home on the Pimicikamak Cree Nation on Wednesday. (John Woods/The Canadian Press)
Olszewski’s letter doesn’t specify how many military members will be sent to the First Nation, about 530 kilometres north of Winnipeg, or when.
CBC News has requested comment.
Officials are still determining the extent of damage to the more than 1,300 homes in Pimicikamak, nearly two weeks after a four-day power outage resulted in widespread plumbing issues. At least 200 homes are considered unlivable, Pimicikamak Chief David Monias said last weekend.
On Dec. 28, a 300-metre-long power line running between two islands in the Nelson River broke. Manitoba Hydro restored power to the community days later, but once power was restored, pipes that had frozen during bitterly cold weather started to burst.
At least 4,000 people have been sent to other communities, including Winnipeg and Thompson.
Pimicikamak has an on-reserve population of 7,000 people.
