The province has declared a state of emergency in all counties in Cape Breton, as well as several counties on the mainland, as it calls for more military support for restoration efforts after storm Fiona.

The province says the Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office, John Lohr, has asked the military for more help with road work, including flagging and signage, in areas where restoration crews need help.

The state of emergency was enacted today under the Emergency Management Act to allow the military to do civilian road work and provide liability coverage.

A state of emergency remains in effect for 14 days unless the government ends or extends it.

The Salvation Army’s Glace Bay emergency food bank is putting out a call for donations as it continues to help people who lost their power in storm Fiona.

The food bank says the increased demand has seen their supply of non-perishable foodstuffs run low.

It’s asking for donations of canned goods, rice, lentils, packaged cookies and wafers, cereal, and any other non-perishable food.

Those donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army at 40 Union Street in Glace Bay.

Monetary donations can be made on the Salvation Army’s website or by calling 1-866-620-0094.

The price of diesel went up overnight after the Utility and Review Board invoked its interrupter clause to adjust the price early this week.

Diesel increased by 11.8 cents a litre and now goes for a minimum of $1.99.8 in Cape Breton.

The price of gas didn’t change.

Gas still goes for a minimum of $1.59.2 cents a litre on the island.

Cruise ships are returning to the Port of Sydney today after a two-week break because of storm Fiona.

Three cruise ships are scheduled to visit Sydney, starting with the Caribbean Princess at the main dock at 7:00 this morning.

The Borealis is due to arrive at 8:00 and anchor in the harbour.

And the Nieuw Statendam will dock at Liberty Pier at 11:00.

Finally, the cruise ship Star Pride is expected to arrive in Louisbourg at noon.

The federal government is setting up a $300-million fund for people in Atlantic Canada affected by post-tropical storm Fiona.

Speaking in Dartmouth this afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters people eligible for assistance from the fund include those not covered by other programs. 

Money from the fund will come through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Trudeau’s announcement comes during his second trip to the province in the wake of Fiona.