Federal Defence Minister Peter MacKay is offering assurances the Canadian Armed Forces will continue providing help in the event of a natural disaster.

He says communities needing assistance will not likely be billed for those services.
 
In a four-paragraph email sent to CKNW several hours after a request for comment, MacKay states Ottawa's policy for cost-recovery measures hasn't changed.

He says "As Minister of National Defence, my greatest priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of all Canadians."

He also points out decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and stresses the Defence Department would seek costs from another federal agency, such as Public Safety, rather than demanding payments from provinces or municipalities.

Concerns have been raised about budget cuts putting pressure on Ottawa to download more costs.