Ref. #2-3591
Ottawa, Ontario (December 16, 2011) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and the Honourable Eric Robinson, Manitoba Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, today issued the following statement:
“Since May, our governments have been working together with First Nations to ensure that citizens are safe and property is protected. Today, we met to reaffirm our commitment to work in partnership with the Interlake First Nations to find solutions to the flooding of First Nation communities on Lake St. Martin and the Dauphin River.
Over the summer, Minister Duncan’s Special Representative Sid Dutchak met with the Province and First Nation communities to discuss the impacts of this year’s flooding, and to explore potential flood resolution strategies. We are pleased to announce that Sid Dutchak will continue to work with the Province and First Nations as Chief Federal Representative.
We are making progress with our partners on longer term solutions. Manitoba officials have been engaged in examining solutions relating to mitigation of damages, emergency measures, and a wide array of related work. Both governments are working together to develop short, medium, and long term options. The next steps include:
- Continuing to work toward moving evacuated families to longer term accommodations and interim housing where prolonged evacuation is expected;
- Development of flood mitigation options based on data to be gathered through a provincially led study;
- Exploration of options to meet present and future land requirements with Lake St. Martin First Nation;
- Canada and Manitoba will provide financial assistance to First Nations to support their participation in discussions and planning related to mitigation measures and flood recovery; and,
- Canada and Manitoba will work with First Nations to assess flood impacts and to determine post flood recovery work.
The Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba remain committed to working with the four Interlake First Nations towards a permanent resolution.
In addition, we also discussed the challenges and progress of the Island Lake First Nations. The Government of Canada recently announced the investment of $5.5 million toward improving water and waste water services in the four Island Lake First Nations. This will provide materials and related support for the retrofit of over 100 homes. Both governments will continue to work together to address this important situation.”
Province of Manitoba
Matthew Williamson
Associate Director of Communications
204-945-1494
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