Feds issue evacuation and survival advisories as part of government response to nuclear conflict.

Original date of publication: October 15th, 2098

Following the nuclear exchange between The United Imperium and Soviet Federation which devastated both countries, the Canadian government has moved to respond to threats posed by the fallout.  With 90% of Canadians living less than 160km from the border and 70% below the 49th parallel despite not having been hit, direct winds blowing radiation north could have serious repercussions.  As part of the government response the National Health Agency (NHA) along with the health ministries of BC, Ontario, Quebec, Alverney, Nova Scotia, and PEI have advised residents in coastal cities not to use tap water over contamination concerns and stock up on bottled water.  Further evacuation advisories have been given for Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Windsor, Victoria, and other municipalities near the border advising residents to prepare in case of more severe fallout.  The military and Department of Citizen Services (DCS) have started setting up refugee camps in areas where radiation is unlikely to reach while fallout shelters that were created as part of a GENDT legislation during the late 70s have also been put on standby.  Authorities have advised Canadians that power grids in many parts of the country have been affected, and to prepare in case they aren't restored by winter.

From an economic outlook the immediate future isn't great either according to many experts, who say Canada has one of two paths ahead.  With the disaster's scale governments at every level will be facing costs for response efforts they just can't cover, and with the current economy raising taxes won't be an option.  The economy had only started to recover from the global depression earlier this decade and has now taken a massive hit with the Imperium's destruction.  Many Canadian based companies including Ford, MOZAC, SBCON, and CMTC did large amounts of business in The United Imperium and have seen profits plummet, which is expected to have widespread effects on the economy.  This means, according to Calgary economist Alan Fordham authorities will have to decide whether to prioritize economic relief or disaster recovery.

However the feds have received some cushioning in deciding allocation of funds. As part of the Seridosian Empire's Atlantic Plan Canada received $8 billion in aid, the majority of which will be distributed between the provinces while the remaining funds will be allocated to different federal response plans.  The Howard administration has released an outline showing Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia will receive the most due to being the most populous provinces.

Concerns over fallout have also led to a temporary relocation of Parliament and the Executive branch from Toronto to Ottawa.  Government officials have stated the reasoning is to ensure the federal government remains able to effectively function and carry out duties essential for Canada's stability.  

Ottawa was picked as the temporary location for several reasons, being located 91km from the border puts it in less danger from fallout then Toronto while keeping a federal presence in the region.  Additionally, Ottawa was one of the possible locations of the national capital before Toronto was picked and was later made Ontario's capital.  An address from Ottawa by President Howard on the crisis was broadcast on television and radio nationwide,

“My fellow Canadians, I speak to you from Ottawa today on the recent global events.  For the third time in our 231 year history we have seen the nuclear destruction of our southern ally and friend, and we will mourn as we have before.  To the American people, Canada hears your plight and although we cannot send direct aid at this time you will not be stopped from seeking refuge in the Great White North.  

Now as a nation we must look inward, the coming years will be full of difficulties but we will pull through.  Canadians survived one balkanization and we’ll survive this one too.  But now more than ever we must come together as a country, from British Columbia to New Labrador communities must support each other now more than ever.  While my administration will dedicate every available resource and work closely with municipal and provincial counterparts to ensure this crisis passes as soon as possible, we cannot do it alone.  I ask Canadians to come together, help those who need it, and give what aid they can.  For now is not a time to hoard and isolate, but unify, we must be united as one from coast to coast.”.

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