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"We're so proud of all our members as well as all those who dedicated their time and efforts to help in the aftermath of the storm." — Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President
Fredericton (10 Feb. 2017) — As conservation officer Norman Bourque drove to the Acadian Peninsula to help with the devastation caused by the ice storm, he couldn't believe what he saw.
"I couldn't have imagined how bad it was," said Bourque, the second Vice-President of the New Brunswick Union (NBU/NUPGE). "When we arrived it was complete darkness, no power at all. It was kind of scary when you think about it.
Despite dangerous conditions, NBU members played a role in recovery efforts
"There was at least an inch of ice on everything from trees to power lines. Everything was covered and it was treacherous," he said.
A number of members of the NBU/NUPGE took part in the recovery efforts including conservation officers, off-road vehicle enforcement officers, commercial vehicle enforcement officers, sheriffs, inspection and investigation unit officers, vehicle enforcement officers, resource services officers, administrative services officers, public health and fire inspectors, among many others.
New Brunswickers thankful for assistance by workers
Despite the hardship faced by those living in the affected areas, Bourque said the resiliency of New Brunswickers was amazing.
"Every door we knocked on to check up on people, we were greeted warmly and people were happy to see us," Bourque said. "You'd meet people at the warming shelters, some of whom had been without power for a week and their morale was still good."
As for his fellow NBU/NUPGE members on the ground, NB Power crews, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the countless volunteers who helped during the storm and subsequent restoration efforts, Bourque said it was amazing to see everyone pull together to help their neighbours and fellow New Brunswickers.
"We're so proud of all our members as well as all those who dedicated their time and efforts to help in the aftermath of the storm," said NBU President Susie Proulx-Daigle. "All of these people deserve our gratitude and thanks for their work and compassion."