March 27, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Crews work to remove snow from houses and other critical infrastructure on Elsipogtog First Nation in an effort to mitigate against spring flooding.
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, is pleased to announce that the Government of Canada is investing $1.7 million in a proactive emergency response to potential risk of spring flooding on eight susceptible New Brunswick First Nations.
Work is already underway on removing the vast amounts of snow that have fallen in the last couple of months. The crews are moving the snowpack away from key infrastructure and houses to reduce the impact of the spring melt. The snow is trucked away to sites designated in consultation with environmental officials.
New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization has noted that in addition to the larger snowpack on the ground for this time of year, it also possesses a higher than normal water content for a double threat.
Removal is taking place at Elsipogtog, Buctouche, Indian Island, Esgenoopetitj, Eel Ground, Eel River Bar, Tobique and Metepenagiag First Nations.
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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