FRANCAIS

July 04, 2005

Premier Gary Doer today pledged to work with the federal government to ensure adequate disaster financial assistance (DFA) funding would be in place for victims of the worst summer flooding on record.

The premier’s pledge came as he toured Deloraine and The Pas with federal Treasury Board president Reg Alcock.

"Manitoba has been devastated by the severe weather this spring," said Doer. "For the last eight weeks we have been inundated by a series of linked precipitation that has damaged our roads, agricultural lands, homes and parks. The province and the federal government together will ensure those affected will be compensated."

Total damage since spring is now expected to exceed $25 million in DFA alone. Already $6 million in DFA funding has been approved and over $600,000 has been spent in The Pas.

"The Manitoba government’s request for federal assistance will be handled without delay," said Alcock. "I have been carefully monitoring the flood situation and extend my sympathies to all those affected. This is a difficult time for many and I am proud of the continued co-operation between our two governments for the well-being of Manitobans."

"I am pleased the federal regional minister is able to view the devastation first-hand with me today," said Doer. "Last month we also toured southwestern Manitoba to see the damage. Minister Alcock and the federal government have been strong allies as we continue to help those affected by the flood water damage."

Manitoba Transportation and Government Services estimates at least $3 million in damage has been recorded on provincial roads. Over 100 rural municipal roads have been washed out across southern Manitoba. At least 34 provincial roads are also closed or subject to cautionary warnings to drivers.

There has been unprecedented damage to Manitoba’s agricultural land. Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives began to send out cheques for excess moisture claims last week to farmers who were not able to seed before June 20. It is estimated that $50 million in compensation will be paid out this year. This compensation does not include the further devastation of these most recent rains to those who managed to plant their crops. Additionally, the quality of crops left in the field is declining as producers are having trouble harvesting due to wet conditions.

Manitoba Conservation estimates that close to $1 million in damages has occurred to provincial parks and infrastructure.

The Emergency Operations Centre of the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization remains open. EMO has moved its mobile command centre to Deloraine to provide a location for co-ordinated provincial assistance. To date, 12 rural municipalities have declared local states of emergency to respond to weather-related events since the spring. In addition, 93 RMs have passed resolutions seeking disaster financial assistance over the same time period.

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