Ottawa, Ontario - 6 July 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today travelled to Brandon, Manitoba 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 BrandonCity 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 AssiniboineRiver 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.
