What I noticed in the attached letter, is that there is no indication of an
offer of help. I wonder if they know we are prepared to help.

The Province of Ontario is prepared to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief
efforts in the impacted areas in any way possible. As the Commissioner of
Emergency Management, I have been asked by the Premier of Ontario to lead
provincial coordination efforts, in conjunction with the federal government,
and to focus on recovery and restoration activities.

As yet, the province has not received any requests for assistance from the
United States.

In order to avoid duplication of effort, ad hoc activities, and to ensure any
resources deployed are properly organized and supported, I am requesting that
ministries and communities refrain from unilaterally deploying resources or
staff to the affected areas. Following standard procedure, the coordination of
any provincial response will be done through the Provincial Emergency
Operations Centre (PEOC).

The PEOC is providing centralized coordination for Hurricane Katrina Relief
Operations. All Ministry Emergency Management Coordinators will receive
additional information from the PEOC via the Situation Report (SITREP) should
the federal government identify specific requests for the Province of Ontario.