Canada preparing to deliver aid shipments for Texas hurricane victims

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says the governments are working with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency to co-ordinate the help.

The storm left vast swaths of Texas and parts of Louisiana flooded and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes.

Goodale says the relief supplies include hygiene kits, bed pillows, bath towels, baby formula, baby disposable bottles, baby cribs and baby linens.

The Royal Canadian Air Force is preparing a cargo plane to fly the goods to Texas and it is expected to leave soon.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump spoke Thursday about the floods and relief efforts.

The American embassy in Ottawa expressed gratitude for Canada’s offer of support.

“The people of the United States and Canada have a long history of supporting each other in times of need,” Elizabeth Aubin, the charge d’affaires at the embassy, said in a statement.

“We once again thank our Canadian friends and neighbours for their heartfelt offers of solidarity and assistance.”

Goodale said Canada stands by the United States, saying the country’s thoughts and prayers are with those affected.

“I want to commend local volunteers, first responders and residents who continue to work selflessly to keep their neighbours and communities safe,” he said in a statement.

On Thursday, Trump’s homeland security adviser Tom Bossert said Canada’s “neighbourly gesture” of help was much appreciated, telling a White House briefing, “It’s an international expression of what we’re seeing here at a very local level.”

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