June 13, 2011
Province Appoints Former AMM President Flood Appeals Commissioner
– – –Appeals Process to be Quick and Fair: Struthers
Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers today announced Ron Bell, former Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) president, will serve as the Flood 2011 Building and Recovery Action Plan appeals commissioner.
“Manitoba families affected by the flood expect swift and fair assistance from the government to help get their lives back on track,” said Struthers. “Appointing the appeals commissioner is another important step in ensuring families get the help they need.”
The flood appeals commissioner will preside over appeals from farmers, owners of primary and secondary residences, and businesses on settlements under the Hoop and Holler Compensation Program, and all components under the Lake Manitoba Financial Assistance Program. The commissioner will also advise government on how to address any gaps that exist in programs and advise on a process for buyouts of property along Lake Manitoba where flood proofing is impossible or impractical.
To take advantage of existing expertise and avoid duplication, the commissioner will be able to draw from the membership and appeal processes from two existing compensation appeal boards: the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Appeal Tribunal and the Disaster Financial Assistance Appeal Board.
“The flood situation continues to evolve and, as a result, compensation programs and the appeals process will also continue to evolve to ensure Manitobans impacted by this unprecedented flood are dealt with in a fair, timely and open manner,” Struthers said.
- 30 -