May 27, 2011
Statement by the Premier of Manitoba on Behalf of All Manitobans
Premier Greg Selinger took the opportunity again today to thank the Canadian Forces for the emergency work they have completed in building and stabilizing the Assiniboine River dikes and the Portage Diversion channel over the last several weeks.
“Manitoba was dealing with a natural disaster of unprecedented proportions and was faced with the need to undertake monumental efforts to manage the water in a controlled way. Without the incredible talent and experience of almost 2,000 Canadian Forces personnel and their specialized equipment, Manitoba would not have been able to manage this water.
“We understand the Canadian Forces have duties and responsibilities at home and abroad. On behalf of all Manitobans, we thank them for coming through in this time of great need and protecting Manitoba families and communities.
“While the threat on the Assiniboine River is drawing down, there are still many Manitobans evacuated from their homes and tremendous recovery work ahead in flood-affected areas across the province. Water also continues to rise on Lake Manitoba and most of the other major lakes in the province. These water levels pose a major threat to homes, cottages and farms, particularly during high winds and storms. Home and cottage owners, municipalities and the province continue to work vigilantly to protect properties and infrastructure from this ongoing threat.
“The 2011 flood will go down in the history books as a record flood and it will not only be story of high waters, but a story of friends and neighbours coming to together to meet the challenge.”
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