An Update on the Flooding Situation May 18th

On Wednesday May 18, I spoke in response to a Ministerial Statement on the flood situation. My comments are below.

Flooding Update

Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, the widespread flooding in Manitoba is very serious. Liberal MLAs thank all those who are working hard to address the wet weather and the flooding. This includes those in MIT and in emergency measures in Manitoba as well as individuals in communities around our province, including municipalities, northern affairs and First Nation communities. We also thank the minister, who we know is putting in long hours at the moment.

I believe there was a misunderstanding by the minister of our intent in responding to minister's statements. Our goal was and is, in part, to provide constructive suggestions for areas which need attention.

Talking of the potential need for programs for agricultural producers is important. Talking of the DFAA is important. Talking of the need for understanding why the flood risk prediction for Peguis was delayed is important. We remain puzzled as to why 39 municipalities and northern affairs communities were listed yesterday in the minister's complete list of communities with states of emergencies, but the six First Nation communities were not listed.

Today, Minnesota is in a very–Minnedosa is in a very critical state, as we know from the minister, but also from a senior staffer in our office and from news reports. We are concerned about people in Minnedosa, but we are also concerned about the situation of the dam at Rivers, which has not yet been fully repaired from two years ago. And while the department has information on flows along many rivers, the Little Saskatchewan River is not listed on the website. These comments are not criticisms but rather pointing out areas where there could be improvement.

MLAs like myself, the MLA for St. Boniface and the MLA for Tyndall Park, receive calls and talk with people from all over the province. It's important that we're in a position to provide information and help, and this helps the minister and his department when we can pass those comments on.

Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.

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