N.S. premier questions effectiveness of Cape Breton state of emergency after snowstorm
CTV
Many Maritimers had to dig themselves out of a fresh dump of snow Monday morning as the region continues to grapple with a storm that left many schools, universities and government offices closed.
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality declared a Local State of Emergency after some spots received upwards of 150 centimetres of snow, but Premier Tim Houston questioned the effectiveness of such a move on Monday.
"The state of emergency triggers certain things but what it does not do is speed up access to equipment," Houston said at a news conference. "What’s the state of emergency being used for? If you’re not doing anything with it, why are you doing it? This is a stressful time for everyone and I think elected officials have a responsibility to calm fears and anxieties and not stoke them."
In a news release, the CBRM directed residents to shelter in place and clear snow from the entryways and walkways at their homes. Police told people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary and the release noted any vehicles that obstruct snow removal will be ticketed and towed.
Amanda MacDougall, Cape Breton mayor, said they are seeking help from mainland Nova Scotia to tackle the snow problem.
“We need trucks,” she said. “We don't have the infrastructure municipally to do the clean-up ourselves. We also know there's going to be a need to help people recover from this. Roofs are going to come in and damage to property is going to take place.”
Houston said the province has reached out to the federal government for heavy equipment.
The municipality noted city hall and municipal services will be closed Monday. Transit Cape Breton will also not be operational.
