Mr. Speaker, run-off from record winter snow levels and ice jams on the Red and surrounding rivers are causing severe flooding in many Manitoba communities.
St. Andrews, Montaclam, Tache, Morris, St. Clements and North Norfolk have declared themselves to be in a state of emergency, and many more communities are on flood alert as the water continues to rise. The flooding has caused a great deal of damage already and is expected to continue for several more days until the rivers crest.
The good news is that thanks to the foresight of a number of public officials and the hard work of thousands of volunteers the damage has been kept to a minimum. Whole communities began preparing sandbags early prompted by the advice of the Emergency Preparedness Organization.
In my riding city councillor John Angus ran sandbagging workshops and trained volunteers so that when the high water arrived we were able to respond immediately. City and provincial officials made sure the necessary supplies were available.
Volunteers from St. Norbert, Dakota and Fort Richmond Collegiates and the St. Norbert Foundation spent countless hours filling sandbags and building dykes. Local restaurants, churches and service clubs donated food for the volunteers, drivers and helped with child care.
I thank all of the volunteers who have worked-