Cullen, Rowat take province to task over flood response
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/10/2011 (5479 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
WINNIPEG — Progressive Conservative MLAs Cliff Cullen and Leanne Rowat spoke out against the provincial government’s response to the flood of 2011, citing affected citizens have difficulties accessing to government relief programs.
Cullen (Spruce Woods) questioned acting Conservation Minister Stan Struthers about the condition of the lower campgrounds at Spruce Woods Provincial Park and whether they would be cleaned up in time for the 2012 camping season.
“Hesco barriers that were erected were washed out on two separate occasions. Due to this government’s inability to protect the park on two separate occasions, considerable damage was done to the park,” Cullen said. “At this point, no action has been taken in the park. Why hasn’t the government taken action?”
Emergency Measures Minister Steve Ashton (Thompson – NDP) replied that the scope of the flood damage throughout the province has played a role.
“Yes, there were hesco barriers that were overwhelmed,” Ashton said. “We saw historic levels of flooding. We saw one-in-300-year flooding in that area. I think (Cullen) will also acknowledge that a lot of work has been done particularly on the Assiniboine dikes in Brandon and in Souris on the Souris River. The work that we are doing now is around Lake St. Martin and I would hope that you would acknowledge the fine work being done by a lot of people. …We are still fighting the flood. We are also dealing with infrastructure and face huge challenges.”
Rowat (Riding Mountain) asked about the slow pace of government relief for farmers and residents of the Upper Assiniboine River Valley.
“The Upper Assiniboine Valley Producers requested a meeting with government departments and they have been ignored,” Rowat said in the legislature. “Why is this NDP government reluctant to deal with producer groups such as the Upper Assiniboine Valley Producers?”
Struthers (Dauphin – NDP), who is also the agriculture minister, replied that efforts have been made to get aid to the affected producers along the Assiniboine River.
“We continue to work with farmers to make sure they make the most of the programs that are available,” Struthers said.
He added: “We know this is a tough year for farmers and that they weren’t able to seed their land or have hay to feed their cattle. We have moved quickly to put programs into place.”