Attention News Editors:

Update - More Attawapiskat Residents Flown Out To Safety

    Latest Group Airlifted To Waterloo And Cochrane

    TORONTO, May 13 /CNW/ -

    NEWS

    Attawapiskat residents are still being flown out of their community
because of the ongoing threat of flooding in the James Bay coast First Nation.
    The breakup of the ice covering the Attawapiskat River could pose
significant risks of flooding in the community, located 500 kilometres north
of Timmins. As a result, local leaders have decided to evacuate more than
1,200 residents so far.
    A group of 900 community members have already been airlifted to
communities across northern Ontario. In addition, a total of 118 were flown to
Waterloo yesterday and 132 will go to Cochrane today.
    The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
(http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/index.html) is coordinating flight operations to
ensure the quick and safe departure of the evacuees. Emergency Management
Ontario (EMO) (http://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/home.html)
officials are working with host communities, provincial ministries and federal
departments, to ensure the well-being of Attawapiskat residents during their
stay out of their community. Distances, weather conditions, the availability
of aircraft and the capacity of host municipalities, are the main factors
considered by provincial planners.

    QUOTES

    "Our first priority is the safety of Attawapiskat residents," said
Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick Bartolucci
(http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about_min/bio.html). "Our government
is deeply appreciative of the host communities who are so generously extending
their hospitality to their fellow Ontarians during this trying time for the
people of Attawapiskat."
    "My ministry's aviation services branch is working around the clock to
ensure a safe and coordinated evacuation of the Attawapiskat community," said
Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield
(http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/About/2ColumnSubPage/226953.html). "We will
continue to work with local leaders to keep the residents of this coastal
community safe."

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    QUICK FACTS

    -   132 Attawapiskat residents are now in Hearst, 150 in Greenstone,
        227 in Kapuskasing and approximately 440 in Thunder Bay.

    -   Approximately 118 were transported to Waterloo yesterday and 132 will
        go to Cochrane today.

    LEARN MORE

    Current state of flooding throughout the province.
(www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/EmergencyManagement/2ColumnSubPage/239496.html)

    Prepare for possible flooding.
(www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/EmergencyManagement/2ColumnSubPage/240053.html)

    How to put together an emergency survival kit.
(http://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/prepare/athome/athome.html)

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For further information: Laura Blondeau, Minister's Office, (416)
325-4973; Patrice Cloutier, Communications Branch, (416) 326-9195