Manitoba asks federal government to send military to help Pimicikamak recover from power outage

Manitoba formally asked the federal emergency management minister for military support after a Dec. 28 power line failure left infrastructure damaged in Pimicikamak Cree Nation; about 4,000 residents were evacuated and at least 200 homes were reported uninhabitable.

Manitoba has asked the federal government to send military assistance to Pimicikamak Cree Nation following a multi-day power outage. The outage began on Dec. 28 after a power line crossing the Nelson River snapped. The loss of power during very cold weather led to damage to community water and sewage systems and to many homes. Provincial and federal staff are on site to assess the situation. Key facts: - Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor formally requested federal military support to help assess, repair and restore damaged infrastructure, including water treatment and distribution systems. - The outage began Dec. 28 when a Nelson River power line snapped; power was restored on Jan. 2 and assessments are ongoing. - About 4,000 residents were evacuated to other communities and at least 200 homes were reported uninhabitable; staff from Indigenous Services Canada, Health Canada and Public Safety Canada are assisting with on-site assessments. Summary: The request asks for military assistance to support assessment and repair of critical infrastructure while provincial and federal teams continue damage evaluations. Premier Wab Kinew is expected to visit Pimicikamak with a delegation of Indigenous and federal leaders, and federal officials say they remain engaged to support recovery.