April 1, 2015 – Winnipeg, MB – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced the signing of a one-year agreement to deliver evacuation services for First Nations in Manitoba beginning April 1, 2015.
On November 19, 2013, the Government announced measures to strengthen emergency management on reserves. A new, comprehensive single-window approach to emergency financial arrangements will ensure prudent management of public funds and provide First Nations and provinces and territories with improved access to emergency funds when needed. The new approach includes over $19 million annually to negotiate new or renewed formal agreements with provinces and territories and to support emergency preparedness activities.
The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba have not yet concluded a bilateral emergency management agreement. However, in anticipation of the upcoming flood season and in order to ensure that First Nations in Manitoba receive emergency management services, the Government of Canada has concluded a one-year agreement with the Canadian Red Cross (CRC).
The agreement will ensure that First Nations have support for any potential 2015 evacuations—covering evacuations from their communities to secure locations as well as food, shelter and related services—due to flood, fire and other circumstances.
In addition to the agreement with the CRC, Canada also continues to work toward an agreement with the Province of Manitoba to deliver emergency management services to 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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