Home Newsroom 2005 News releases (archive) 2005-06-19: Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister

Flooding situations in Alberta and Saskatchewan -- Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister

June 19, 2005 -- Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan today issued this statement relating to the current flooding situation in Alberta as well as the severe weather conditions and flooding in Saskatchewan.

“As Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and as a concerned resident of Alberta, I have been watching closely the flooding situation in Alberta.

I have spoken to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Rob Renner, to discuss the situation in Alberta and offer any assistance that may be required. In addition, a liaison officer from Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada’s Alberta Regional Office has been on-site at the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre to participate in monitoring the situation. Our Government Operations Centre will continue to monitor and assess the situation on a 24/7 basis.

We are also concerned with the current situation in Saskatchewan. We are continuing to monitor events there in collaboration with provincial officials.

The federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements are in place to help the provinces with their efforts as they assist communities to recover and rebuild from natural disasters.

Under the terms of these arrangements, the federal government can reimburse the provinces for expenditures relating to these disasters and if the requirements are met, the money will be forthcoming.

Finally, my thoughts are with those affected by these events and my hopes are for a speedy recovery that will help return lives back to normal as quickly as possible.”

For more information:

Alex Swann
Office of the Honourable Anne McLellan
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863