Preparedness for the blizzard and for floods

On Wednesday April 13 2022 Question Period, with the approaching blizzard, Dougald Lamont, the Manitoba Liberal Leader was the only person to ask about the government's preparedness. Notably, though it is usual for the Minister responsible to speak in a Ministerial Statement on the situation and the government's state of readiness, this did not happen. Dougald's question and the minister's response are below.

Blizzard–Flooding Preparedness

Mr. Lamont: Again, we are concerned about the cuts to the Emergency Measures Organization, preparedness and response. And given the outcomes of the pandemic and the response in Manitoba, and the track record of neglect on emergency response is very concerning. We need a strong, effective and independent Emergency Measures Organization–Manitobans can rely on independent experts with a plan.

Can the Premier assure us that the government is prepared for the impact of this blizzard and the flood that may follow, and will the government consider briefing opposition and Manitoba Liberal MLAs on the situation, as other premiers have in the past?

Hon. Doyle Piwniuk (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member for the question.

Madam Speaker, our preparation team is–with the EMO has worked so hard: dedicated staff that are out round the clock, especially when it comes to floods, the storm right now. They're doing their hardest to make sure that Manitobans are safe, and they will continue doing that.

They're working with municipalities, working with First Nation communities. And they're doing an excellent job, and they should be commended for the work they're doing.

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