The commercial airlines are far better suited and able to retrieve their passengers from the Caribbean than the Canadian Forces.  The RCAF has, on the high side, perhaps 25 transport aircraft that could be used for this purpose, but many are outfitted to move equipment rather than civilians and are already deployed.  We do not have sufficient transport to even move our own troops overseas in an emergency and have to lease commercial aircraft or rely on the U.S. for this purpose.  Don't compare us to the greatest military power in the world.  Many of these folks departed for their vacation knowing there were identified hurricane risks.  And there are Canadians who live in the islands or U.S. full-time, but expect Canada to come to their rescue in situations like this?  Well, it's a nice idea but we don't have the resources and that's the real reason the government is pushing for the commercial options.