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Trudeau offers Trump condolences, assistance with aftermath of hurricane Harvey

August 31 2017 09:49 AM

Original Publication Date: August 31, 2017 9:49AM

Publication Updated: April 25, 2025 8:45AM

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump to offer condolences over the deaths and destruction in Texas and Louisiana caused by hurricane Harvey.

The Prime Minister's Office says the two leaders had a phone conversation Thursday, during which Trudeau also offered assistance with rescue and recovery efforts.

The storm has killed at least 30 people and wrecked thousands of homes in Texas, leaving tens of thousands of residents homeless and seeking refuge in shelters.

Torrential rains have flooded vast swaths of Texas and rain continues in some areas as the storm, now reduced to a tropical depression, creeps inland.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale tweeted Thursday that the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, had already asked Canada for specific help.

"FEMA has requested support from Canada for 'Harvey' victims — hygiene kits, baby supplies, etc.," Goodale tweeted. "Canada's answer is YES, of course!"

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Taylor Rae

Before university, Taylor spent a year abroad living in Thailand which encouraged her to finish her degree studying in Turkey, both experiences have made her an avid traveller. Taylor graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a degree in Communications and Public Relations. Although born on the coast, Taylor has lived the majority of her life in Kamloops and enjoys what the region has to offer. In her spare time, you can find Taylor volunteering in the community or out on an adventure with her friends and her dogs.