· Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), as the designated Immediate Reaction Unit (IRU) of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, has been placed at a higher state of readiness. The Army has taken this step so that the IRU can respond quickly to a request from the Government of Alberta in the event it determines military assistance is needed to deal with severe flooding in the southern part of the province. This is simply prudent military contingency planning, given the current situation in southern Alberta.
· The Army is in close communication with Emergency Measures Alberta. We continue to monitor the situation and prepare for potential flood relief operations. The Government of Alberta has not requested military assistance at this time.
· The Army has the people, equipment and experience to help Albertans in situations like this. In 1997, we helped Manitobans deal with the Red River flood. In 2003, we helped British Columbians fight forest fires. We have a proud tradition of helping fellow Canadians during domestic crises.