Skip to Main content

8.96°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Podcast Contact Us

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

david-eby-wins-vancouver-point-grey-by-just-538-votes-dallas-brodie-finishes-last

David Eby Wins Vancouver-Point Grey by Just 538 Votes; Dallas Brodie Finishes Last

Former British Columbia Premier David Eby won his Vancouver-Point Grey seat by a narrow margin of 538 votes in the latest provincial election. According to preliminary figures from Elections BC, Eby received 7,811 votes, compared with 7,273 votes for his Conservative rival, Alex McMillan. Eby has represented the riding since 2013. In the 2024 election, he defeated his Conservative opponent by approximately 4,900 votes. Meanwhile, Dallas Brodie, leader of the OneBC Party, received just 805 votes in Vancouver-Quilchena, finishing last in the riding. Conservative candidate Carson Binda won the se

punjab-cms-osd-rajbir-singh-ghuman-appears-before-cbi-again-in-alleged-corruption-case

IndiaOct 26, 2026

Punjab CM’s OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman Appears Before CBI Again in Alleged Corruption Case

Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) attached to the Punjab Chief Minister’s camp office, appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at its zonal office in Chandigarh on Monday in connection with an alleged corruption case. Ghuman arrived at the office at around 2:30 p.m. and came out at approximately 7:30 p.m. after questioning. His legal representatives remained present outside the office during the proceedings. The CBI has summoned him again for questioning on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after the questioning, Ghuman said the CBI had asked him around 40 to

B.C. Provincial Election Turnout Hits 30-Year Low at 48.14%

Voter turnout in British Columbia’s provincial election has dropped to its lowest level in at least 30 years. According to preliminary figures from Elections BC, only 48.14 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots this time, down from 53.86 per cent in the 2020 election held during the COVID-19 pandemic and 58.45 per cent in 2024. Experts believe the sharp decline may be linked to former Premier David Eby’s decision to call a snap election two years ahead of schedule, as well as the timing of municipal elections around the same period. According to the report, the B.C. NDP received

mark-carney-meets-premiers-and-first-nations-leaders-ahead-of-federal-budget

CanadaOct 26, 2026

Mark Carney Meets Premiers and First Nations Leaders Ahead of Federal Budget

Prime Minister Mark Carney held a high-level meeting with premiers and First Nations leaders in Ottawa today ahead of the upcoming federal budget, aiming to address obstacles and opposition that could delay major projects. During the meeting, Carney pledged greater support for Indigenous communities and promised to build stronger partnerships with them. It was the first time in two decades that federal, provincial and First Nations leaders had gathered at the same table for direct discussions on key national issues. Carney said his government would announce new measures for First Nations in th

BC Greens Retain Two Seats Despite Increase in Vote Share

The BC Greens have retained two seats in the provincial election, despite an increase in their overall vote share. Preliminary results show the party received approximately 23,000 more votes than in 2024. However, it failed to increase its seat count beyond the two seats it held before the snap election. Party leader Emily Lowan won in Saanich North and the Islands, while Jeremy Valeriote was re-elected in West Vancouver–Sea to Sky. Speaking to the media, Lowan acknowledged that making the Green Party's voice heard in the legislature would be a major challenge. However, she said the party wo

Related News

Mark Carney Meets Premiers and First Nations Leaders Ahead of Federal Budget

Mark Carney Meets Premiers and First Nations Leaders Ahead of Federal Budget

Prime Minister Mark Carney held a high-level meeting with premiers and First Nations leaders in Ottawa today ahead of the upcoming federal budget, aiming to address obstacles and opposition that could delay major projects. During the meeting, Carney pledged greater support for Indigenous communities and promised to build stronger partnerships with them. It was the first time in two decades that federal, provincial and First Nations leaders had gathered at the same table for direct discussions on key national issues. Carney said his government would announce new measures for First Nations in th

Bank of Canada Could Raise Interest Rates for the First Time in Three Years

Bank of Canada Could Raise Interest Rates for the First Time in Three Years

Canada’s central bank is set to announce its monetary policy decision on Wednesday, with many experts anticipating a possible interest rate hike. If the Bank of Canada raises rates, it would mark the first increase in three years. Economists say the Canadian economy is facing two conflicting challenges. On one hand, economic growth remains weak, which would normally support cutting interest rates to stimulate the economy. On the other hand, rising oil prices are driving inflation, and the central bank may not want to wait until price pressures spread to other sectors before taking action. Ma

Obama Slams Trump Over Trade War With Canada, Warns Tariffs Will Raise Prices

Obama Slams Trump Over Trade War With Canada, Warns Tariffs Will Raise Prices

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has sharply criticized Donald Trump over his trade war with Canada, calling it disappointing that America’s closest ally has been targeted. Speaking at a Democratic Party campaign rally in Detroit on Sunday, Obama said Trump’s tariffs were working against his own promises to lower prices for Americans. He highlighted the automotive sector, where manufacturers in both countries rely heavily on cross-border supplies of components, warning that Trump’s tariffs would drive up costs for American consumers. Obama also praised Canadians as some of the best peo

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital