Prime Minister Stephen Harper travelled to Brandon, Manitoba (on Sunday) to survey first-hand the damage to communities caused by recent flooding. He was joined by Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba, Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, and Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette. Prime Minister Harper then received a briefing at Brandon City Hall, followed by a tour of First Street, part of a heavily washed out area of town.
While in Manitoba Prime Minister Harper also visited the Emergency Operations Command Team and met with municipal leaders, government officials and local volunteers who are working around the clock to ensure the safety of Canadian families and communities in distress.
The Prime Minister recognized the teamwork and cooperation of community members and organizations involved in assistance efforts.
The Government of Canada is working closely with the province of Manitoba to provide the quickest, most effective response to help communities deal with the flooding and prevent further damage.The Government Operations Centre working with the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, Public Safety Canada and federal partners, is leading and coordinating support to the province as the situation unfolds.
As part of these efforts, approximately 500 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and four CH-146 Griffon helicopters have been deployed to Manitoba – three to Brandon and one to Winnipeg – to support local municipalities and the work to reinforce the Assiniboine River dikes.
Environment Canada is supporting the province by providing weather forecasting services and water gauge readings on flood affected rivers and tributaries.
Health Canada and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada are working with provincial authorities in assisting affected First Nation communities.
Industry Canada is working with telecommunications companies to ensure continuation of services in flood affected areas.
Other federal institutions are working to ensure continuity of services to Canadians.
Quick Facts
- Manitoba declared a state of emergency on July 4, 2014.
- Fifty Manitoba municipalities and communities have declared a state of local emergency.
- Over 900 Manitoba residents have so far been evacuated.
- The CAF members are part of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group’s Immediate Response Unit.
- Four CH-146 Griffon helicopters have been deployed as part of this action.
- Supplies from the National Emergency Stockpile System (beds, blankets, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies) in
- Winnipeg are also ready to be deployed.
- Saskatchewan has not declared a state of emergency and is now transitioning to recovery efforts.
- 79 municipalities and communities in Saskatchewan have declared local states of emergency.
- Over 50 Saskatchewan residents have so far been evacuated.
- No request for federal assistance has been made, though federal partners continue to coordinate activity with the province of Saskatchewan, and provide support through their regular mandated activity.
Quote
“Facing widespread flooding and untold damage, the people of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have exhibited great strength and resiliency. Our Government will continue our work to ensure the safety of those communities affected by the flooding. Laureen and I are thinking of you during this difficult time.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper