June 3, 2011
Province Commits to Continued Action on Interlake First Nations Flooding Concerns: Robinson
Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson met with chiefs and councillors from Pinaymootang, Little Saskatchewan, Lake St. Martin, Dauphin River and Lake Manitoba First Nations yesterday to commit to discuss flooding and look for new ways to address the impact of flooding in their communities.
“We won’t let jurisdictional issues get in the way of helping First Nations people who are affected by flood waters,” said Robinson. “I make this commitment today: our government will work with our First Nation communities with the same respect and consideration as others who are facing similar circumstances.”
Officials from several government departments including Manitoba Water Stewardship and the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization accompanied the minister on the flood tour yesterday. They were able to provide residents with information about resources the province is providing during the flood along with steps being taken for flood mitigation.
The province also provided updates on raising dikes, supporting adequate pumping capacity, ensuring temporary housing for displaced residents and agreed to look at the housing trades apprenticeship training program that will be launched to help residents clean up and rebuild following the flood.
“First Nation leaders expressed the hardships band members are facing right now,” said the minister. “High waters on Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin are impacting the communities and current flood forecasts indicate flooding will continue into the summer. This means residents will continue to face these issues, but we want them to know we are there to support them every step of the way.”
The minister noted that First Nation farmers and fishers will be eligible for compensation under the Flood 2011 Building and Recovery Action Plan.
He further noted that all First Nation communities are eligible for the new Youth Flood Team Program.
More details on the Flood 2011 recovery program are available at local Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO Offices.
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