Cheers for the Canadians and VUSAR. Not enough is being said to give thanks to the apparent 'real' first-responders to the Katrina disaster. This volunteer organization hails from Vancover Canada. They consist of a diverse group of folks who sacrifice their time to help others. In the case of hurricane Katrina, and the reception received at the hands of the locals in Kenner; expose their lives into imminent danger.
"The Canadians beat both the Army and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. disaster response department, to St. Bernard Parish east of New Orleans, where flood waters are still 8 feet (2.4 metres) deep in places", Sen. Walter Boasso said.
In an excerpt from CTV.ca
"It's absolutely crazy, the devastation is unreal — the gunfire, the shooting, the looting is like something you see in a movie. "
Acadian Ambulance Service says it was greeted by an armed and angry crowd as it tried to airlift supplies into Kenner Memorial Hospital late Wednesday.
Richard Zuschlag, president of the ambulance service, said his medics were "crying, screaming for help," and that his pilots "refused to land."
Bush takes over 9/03
According to the Daily KOS "B.C. Solicitor General John Les said the province decided to send Vancouver Urban Search and Rescue after officials in Louisiana asked for help.
"We're the first non-U.S.-based team to be requested," said Les. "They're going to be helping as many people as they can."
This followed by the Canadian government officials, prior to Katrina making landfall, letting the Governor of Louisiana know they were ready to help should need arise...
Unfortunately it appears their initial attempts to arrive with aide were not met successfully at the U.S. borders.
Article comments
1 - Prouder2BCanuck
I am a Canadian residing in the U.S. I do not hold dual citizenship but retain my Canadian citizenship. I have never been prouder to be a Canadian as I observe all of the efforts made far and wide by Canadians to help out the victims of Katrina.
Although Bush neglected to thank Canada after 9/11 (a terrible oversight to be sure), I was pleased to hear his thank you the other day.
The assistance offered by so many countries has been overwhelming. And, it is so desperately needed by so many.
Thank you Canada!!!!!
2 - Prouder2BCanuck
I am a Canadian residing in the U.S. I do not hold dual citizenship but retain my Canadian citizenship. I have never been prouder to be a Canadian as I observe all of the efforts made far and wide by Canadians to help out the victims of Katrina.
Although Bush neglected to thank Canada after 9/11 (a terrible oversight to be sure), I was pleased to hear his thank you the other day.
The assistance offered by so many countries has been overwhelming. And, it is so desperately needed by so many.
Thank you Canada!!!!!
3 - davidaxe
I saw the amabasador Frank Mckenna on Fox and he was terrible.- He looked frightened to death. An awful performance.. David
4 - Elizabeth L.
That's very reassuring to me. I live in Vancouver and have been trained in earthquake management by some of these people. Watching the tragic aftermath of Katrina, I kept thinking, "Boy, I sure hope we're better prepared to respond than the people in the U.S. seem to be." It appears that perhaps we are.
5 - Jewels
Prouder2BCanuck; You should be proud. Research I did turned up impressive information about the Canadian group. I hadn't heard much about it in the general news and press except for on "Bill O'Reilly". Some folks will argue and say, no we had some of our own rescue groups there first, and true, but the Canadian group had everything prepared to come first; but were detained at our borders. The fact stands they mobilized and organized how a 'first-responder' rescue group should and arrived well equipped, prepared and dedicated to helping the victims. Yes, you should be proud.
6 - Canadian Gypsy
I gotta give the Liberals credit. They deserve a pat on the back. Good thing they'll be able to milk it for [brownie points] in Canada. God knows the Liberal party needs them.
7 - JELIEL
Is my country not great? Go Canada, once again proving that Canada ROCKS. And hey seems we actually got a thank you this time. It's all good.
All joking asside. I just hope the VUSAR was of help.
8 - RJ
Did Canadians go down there just to feel superior to Americans and sneer at them, or did they actually just want to help?
I'm hoping it's the latter...
9 - Jewels
RJ, the VUSAR are an international rescue group patterned after similar groups developed in the U.S. They came to help because that is what they do; they are dedicated volunteers. Really cool, in that this group gathers people from all different backgrounds to capitalize on individual skills. I had heard of them, but in a limited way so thought I'd do some research; my links will provide more information.
They were ready to come here the day prior to the storm I had read; they would have arrived even sooner had they not been slowed down at our border.
Like the Mounties, Eh??
10 - Andy
As a Canadian, I have to say that it is an honor to throw a hand to the US. Some people critisized the levies but if you step back and ask "if the US didn't carry the world on it's back for 60 years, they could have built levies a mile high around NO".
The USA has done so much for so many worldwide, that it is unthinkable to neglect them at a time like this. There is always a disaster bigger than any country can deal with instantly.
The US, Canada & Mexico have an integrated system for assistance, so that helps a lot in moving needed materials.
Such as the US nation firefighting, and Canadian counterpart. They requisition planes, people and equipment back and forth as needed. It helps both countries.
So, remember, the USA rocks, and Canada is always ready to help anytime. Cuz we know the US has our back as well.
11 - RJ
Thanks Andy! :)
12 - dulci
I just wanted to let you know that President Bush actually did thank the Canadian people for their help during 9/11. It was late but it still counts.
He actually went to Pier 21 in Halifax, Canada to make the speech.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/30/world/main658227.shtml