STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

August 15, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued this statement concerning the recovery from the blackout in Ontario:

"The people of Ontario deserve praise for the patience and community spirit they have shown during this unprecedented power disruption, as do the emergency personnel who have done yeoman service in responding to the emergency. I encourage Ontarians to continue to follow the advice of local officials on limiting power use to aid in the restoration of power and to put safety first in their activities in the coming days.

As the effort to restore power progresses, the Government of Canada is monitoring the situation very closely. Federal departments have responded swiftly in offering the provincial government all necessary assistance. We are also working to ensure travel rapidly returns to normal and that the border remains open and secure.

Everyone affected by the blackout should be gratified by the close level of cooperation of their governments. Our shared approach, with the United States government and the government of Ontario, has been putting people first: restoring power and minimizing inconvenience. I will be discussing this matter in all its dimensions in greater detail with President Bush later today.

I know that Canadians will continue to support each other as we always do in times of need."

A further statement will be issued later today on next steps.

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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555