9.9°C Vancouver

Oct 9, 2024 5:32 PM - Connect Newsroom – Jasmine Singh, with files from The Canadian Press

Foreign affairs minister urges Canadians to leave Florida ahead of devastating storm

Share On
foreign-affairs-minister-urges-canadians-to-leave-florida-ahead-of-devastating-storm
The storm was downgraded this morning to a Category 4 but is expected to bring deadly storm surge, rain and winds. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is urging Canadians currently in Florida to leave immediately and warning others to postpone travel plans as Hurricane Milton moves toward the state’s west coast.

The storm, downgraded early Thursday to Category 4 strength, is still expected to bring deadly storm surge, torrential rain and destructive winds. Milton is forecast to make landfall later today in the Tampa Bay region — home to more than 3.3 million people — before moving east through Sarasota, Orlando and Daytona Beach.

Millions of residents have been ordered to evacuate as emergency crews brace for what could be one of the most powerful storms to strike Florida in decades.

Joly said Florida remains a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds and tourists, though her office does not know how many Canadians are currently in the affected areas. She confirmed that Global Affairs Canada has been in contact with U.S. authorities and that registered Canadians have been sent email alerts advising them to evacuate.

The minister also reminded Canadians to stay connected with the Canadian embassy and consulates in the United States for updates and assistance as conditions worsen.

Latest news

federal-budget-forecasts-78b-deficit-as-liberals-shift-spending-plan
CanadaNov 04, 2025

Federal budget forecasts $78B deficit as Liberals shift spending plan

The Carney government presented its first budget today, nearly seven months after taking office. The 406-page budget promises to make Canada stronger. It also outlines that Canada's deficit this year will be $78.3 billion. However, the budget deficit is projected to reach $56.6 billion by 2029-2030. This budget is promising $141 billion in new spending over the next five years in new measures and promises that this spending will result in $51.2 billion in savings. The government's largest expenditure includes defense spending, which includes $20.4 billion in military recruitment and retention
peel-police-warn-of-jewellery-distraction-thefts-targeting-seniors-in-brampton
BCNov 04, 2025

Peel Police Warn of Jewellery Distraction Thefts Targeting Seniors in Brampton

Peel Regional Police are warning residents about a series of distraction thefts in Brampton that appear to target elderly members of the community. Investigators from the 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau say several victims have reported losing jewellery after being approached by strangers in vehicles. According to police, suspects often engage victims in conversation, sometimes pretending to offer assistance or ask for directions. In several cases, a woman initiates contact before a man exits a nearby vehicle and forcibly removes or swaps the victim’s jewellery. Officers note that
calgary-police-report-rise-in-domestic-violence-cases-as-city-nears-five-year-high
AlbertaNov 04, 2025

Calgary police report rise in domestic violence cases as city nears five-year high

Calgary police say domestic violence incidents in the city are increasing and could reach their highest level in five years, as November marks Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. New figures from the Calgary Police Service show 3,592 domestic violence reports were filed between January and September 2025, compared to a five-year average of 3,163. Domestic conflict incidents – which include verbal disputes and other non-criminal situations – also climbed to 14,616, surpassing the average of 14,193 for the same period. Police note the statistics exclude cases involving children and
IndiaNov 04, 2025

Tarn Taran bypoll: Over Rs 57 crore worth of cash, liquor and narcotics seized since model code came into effect

Authorities in Tarn Taran district have seized illegal goods worth more than Rs 57.47 crore since the model code of conduct came into force for the assembly by-election. The code was implemented on October 7 ahead of the poll, which is being held to fill the vacant seat. According to Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C, enforcement agencies have confiscated 51,429.50 litres of liquor valued at about Rs 32.89 lakh, along with narcotic substances worth nearly Rs 56.67 crore. Officials also recovered cash amounting to Rs 9.73 lakh and other items valued at Rs 37.85 lakh. Sibin C said the police have
indian-external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-to-attend-g7-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-canada
CanadaNov 04, 2025

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Attend G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Canada

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to visit Canada next week to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, which will take place in Ontario’s Niagara region on November 11 and 12. The gathering will include ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and representatives from the European Union. Jaishankar’s participation is being viewed as a significant step toward improving relations between India and Canada, which have experienced recent diplomatic strain. He has also been invited to join foreign ministers from non-G7 c

Related News